Specialty and Refractory Metal Resources

TZM alloy is a refractory composite alloy known for its resistance to high-temperature and thermal fatigue. The material is also popular for its stability, good thermal conductivity and high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal material for use in harsh, demanding and critical environments.

When asked to machine parts made from refractory metals, there’s a good chance they’re for use in aerospace and defense, electronics, or medical device industries. Machining these rugged materials to exacting specifications presents challenges that necessitate high-end equipment, highly skilled machinists, and experience.

Specialty metal purchases need to meet the highest traceability, inspection, and quality standards. Whether working with new local or international vendors or tried-and-true sources, it is imperative that materials are verified and laboratory tested for chemistry, mechanical and physical properties as they move through the supply chain.

Thermal shock, oxidation & chemical reactions, physical shock & stress – all these issues can affect the manufacture and subsequent quality of refractory metal machined parts. Take a few tips from our experts to avoid mistakes. Here is a checklist to ensure your parts turn out as you want them.

Machining Refractory Metal Basics “90% of machinists cannot machine molybdenum and harder nickel alloys. Only highly skilled machinists with the right tools and cutting oils are capable of machining materials like moly, nickel, and other specialty metals.”

For many uses in aerospace, defense, energy, and medical diagnostics, molybdenum offers high performance and practicality. It is a good fit for high temperatures, hard vacuums, and strong, lightweight applications.