Refractory Metals for High-Temperature Furnaces
Vacuum and protective-atmosphere furnaces for sintering, hardening or crystal growth often operate beyond 1,500 °C — a range in which heating elements and furnace internals made of standard steel already soften or oxidise. The furnace interior therefore consists almost entirely of refractory metals and high-temperature ceramics.
Which Material for Which Function
Molybdenum
Good high-temperature strength and thermal conductivity up to approx. 2,200 °C in vacuum: the standard material for heating elements, heat shields and furnace internals.
Tungsten
Highest melting point of all metals: heating elements for processes above molybdenum's operating range.
Tantalum
High ductility and corrosion resistance under vacuum/protective gas: heat shields that withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without cracking.
Niobium
Good high-temperature strength at lower weight than tungsten or molybdenum: structural parts inside the furnace.
Ceramics
Electrically insulating with high temperature resistance: insulation components between heating conductor and furnace wall.
Components in Everyday Use
- Heating elements (meander, rod) for vacuum furnaces
- Multi-layer heat shields
- Furnace internals and charging racks
- Insulation components
- Radiant elements for radiant furnaces
Why Refracore. We supply heating elements and heat shields both as standard geometries and to your furnace drawing — including consultation on whether molybdenum is sufficient for your temperature range or tungsten is required.
Select Heating Element / Heat Shield Material
Describe your application — we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days with a technical assessment.
