Four Things to Know About Molybdenum Before You Source Parts
For a number of applications in aerospace, defense, energy, and medical diagnostics, molybdenum offers an ideal combination of high performance and practicality. Key characteristics include: A melting point of 4753°F (2620°C) and a peak working temperature of about 3565°F (1965°C) Excellent material strength at high temperatures: tensile strength of about 14,000 psi at 2200°F (1200°C), for example. High thermal conductivity: can be quenched from very high temperatures without cracking Low vapor pressure: minimal outgassing even in hard vacuum Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE): exceptional dimensional stability for applications involving temperature swings Corrosion resistant: good for harsh environments These properties combine to make molybdenum a good fit for high temperatures, hard vacuums, and applications requiring strong, lightweight metals. The trade-off is that molybdenum has several pitfalls that can trap the unwary. Let’s take a look at what you need to know abou