Molybdenum Refractory Metal

Molybdenum in its pure form is a silver-grey metal most noted for its high melting point of 2620°C and low coefficient of thermal expansion among commonly used metals. Molybdenum is termed a refractory metal and is part of the group of transition metals.

Molybdenum retains its strength and creep resistance at high temperatures. Its strength increases even further the more the material is formed. It is also characterized by good thermal conductivity and a low specific electrical resistance.

The ductility of the Molybdenum decreases as the recrystallization level increases. The restructuring of the grain reduces the strength and hardness while increasing the likelihood of fractures. The recrystallization temperature depends on the degree of deformation of Molybdenum and its chemical compositions.

Molybdenum first appeared in the early 20th century in the manufacture of incandescent lamps. Since that first appearance, engineers and scientist continue to apply Molybdenum’s excellent thermal properties in industries from aerospace to commercial heat treating.

MOLYBDENUM QUICK FACTS

  • Symbol: Mo
  • Category: Transition Metal, Group VI
  • Atomic Number: 42
  • Crystal Structure: Body-centered Cubic
  • Discovered: 1778

Molybdenum Forms and Sizes

Ed Fagan is a leading supplier of refractory metals and alloys. Rely on our unmatched inventory for all your Molybdenum plate, round bar/rod, sheet, threaded rod & nuts, and wire requirements along with our in-house fabrication services when you need your order shipped to size.

molybdenum plate

Molybdenum Plate

Ed Fagan stocks Molybdenum plate in thicknesses ranging from 0.1875” up to 1.500”. Our plates conform to ASTM B386 Type 361 standards.

molybdenum round bar rod refractory metal

Molybdenum Round Bar | Rod

Round bar | rod is available from stock in diameters from 0.040″ up to 4.000″ in a variety of lengths which meet ASTM B387 Type 361 standards.

molybdenum sheet refractory metal

Molybdenum Sheet

Standard grade sheets are supplied as per ASTM B386 Type 361.

molybdenum coiled sheet vacuum furnace parts

Molybdenum Coiled Sheet

Molybdenum coiled sheet is supplied in 30 foot random lengths in thicknesses starting at 0.005” and up. It is Ideal for furnace linings.

molybdenum refractory metal nuts vacuum furnace

Molybdenum Threaded Rod & Nuts

Our Molybdenum threaded rod is stocked in sizes #10, 0.250” and 0.375”. Matching Molybdenum nuts are stocked in 32 threads, 20 threads and 16 threads per inch respectively. We will cut threaded rod to your exact specifications.

molybdenum wire refractory metal

Molybdenum Wire

Ed Fagan Molybdenum wire is available to your tolerance, concentricity and straightness in diameters ranging from 0.001” to 0.100”.

 Molybdenum Characteristics and Properties

Pure Molybdenum exhibits the following unique properties. View all the typical mechanical, physical, chemical properties and specifications this metal provides.

molybdenum mechanical physical properties specifications chemistry
  • High Melting Point
    2620°C
  • High Strength at Elevated Temperatures
  • High Thermal Conductivity
  • High Elastics Modulus
  • High Corrosion Resistance to Molten Glass and Metals
  • Low Vapor Pressure
  • Low Thermal Expansion
  • Low Heat Capacity
  • ASM & ASTM Specifications

 Machining Molybdenum

Molybdenum can be machined by all of the common metal machining processes. No special equipment or procedures are required to produce parts with accurate dimensions with excellent finishes. Molybdenum may be machined to achieve simple parts, very complex parts/shapes and very small intricate parts.

 

Learn about the tools, lubricants, and machine settings recommended for sawing, shearing, turning, milling, shaping, reaming, threading grinding, buffing and honing; as well as techniques for electro-polishing and photo-etching.

Molybdenum Applications

molybdenum high temperature applications

Molybdenum is widely used in several industries due to various properties and characteristics this element possesses. The following list represents a sampling of some of the industries and applications where Molybdenum is employed.

Aerospace & Defense

  • Heat Radiation Shields
  • High Temperature Structural Parts
  • Leading Edges of Control Surfaces
  • Nose Cones
  • Re-entry Cones
  • Rocket Nozzles
  • Support Vanes

Heat Treating

  • Furnace Boats & Other Containers
    for Components Exposed to High Temperatures
  • Heat Shields
  • Resistance Heating Elements
  • Structural Furnace Members
  • Vacuum Furnaces
  • Windings

Electronics

  • Cathodes
  • Filaments
  • Glass-to-Metal Seals
  • Magnetron End Hats
  • Power Tube Grids
  • Ribbons & Wires for Lighting
  • X-ray Tube Components

For more information on technology, engineering and advanced materials applications, you can visit the IEEE website, one of the largest technical professional organizations worldwide.

Furnace photo courtesy © Plansee SE Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

For additional information on commercial heat treating, you can visit the ASM Heat Treating Society — the world’s largest network of heat treating professionals.

Ed Fagan is a leading ISO certified global supplier for users of refractory metals and alloys.  Since 1965, our customers have relied on our personalized customer service, competitive pricing, high-quality materials and on-time delivery.