Heavy metals in laser processing

In addition to precious metals such as platinum, gold and silver, refractory metals (Latin: refractarius = brittle, unruly) such as molybdenum, tungsten, niobium and tantalum form an interesting sub-sector of heavy metals. With melting points above 2,000 degrees centigrade, low thermal expansion and good thermal and electrical conductivity, these materials are often used in aviation, medical technology, electronics as well as environmental and energy technology. Our many years of experience and innovative laser technology make us the ideal partner for processing and manufacturing your components and implementing complex contour requirements.

A selection of our heavy metals

  • Molybdenum, Niobium, Tantalum, Tungsten
    Material Properties
    • high density, low thermal expansion, heat-resistant with melting point at up to 3,500 °C
    • good conductivity for electricity and heat
    • used as masking, shielding or absorption material in electron or X-ray tubes and radioactive equipment
    • heat sinks and interconnectors for fuel cells
    • balance weights, especially for aerospace, automotive and watchmaking industries
    Dimensions (Selection)
    • foils, tapes t=0.02 - 0.2 mm
    • thin sheet t=0.1 - 3.0 mm
  • Precious metals
    Article Examples

    Gold
    Palladium
    Platinum
    Silver

    Material Properties
    • corrosion-resistant, very good conductivity, high reflectivity, good formability, very decorative
    • highest electrical and thermal conductivity
    • chemically extremely inert, antiseptic (medical products)
    • thermocouples, electrodes, decorative material
    • production of preforms from lead-free hard and soft solder foils
    Dimensions (Selection)
    • solder foils t=0.03 - 0.3 mm
    • thin sheet t=0.5 - 1.5 mm

The advantages of heavy metals

  • extremely high melting point at over 2,000 °C
  • similar coefficient of thermal expansion to semiconductor materials.
  • good thermal conductivity 
  • good electrical conductivity 
  • relatively corrosion resistant due to passivation at room temperature

Heavy metals in the application

Heavy metals are widely used in the following areas, among others:

  • in medical technology as collimators and anti scattering grids
  • in aerospace as weight balances and vibration dampeners
  • in power electronics as unique sputtering targets, heat shields
  • in microelectronics as solder foils and preforms
  • in the semiconductor industry as base plates and sputtering targets

Individual machining of heavy metals

We cut oxide-free, structure and mark precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and also refractory metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum and niobium according to your individual ideas and wishes. We are able to process your supplied material or offer you the service of purchasing special materials in small quantities without processing them further.
You can find out about our suitable technologies for processing heavy metals below:

More info about our materials

The specific data sheets of the individual materials are available on request. The material listing is only a current selection without any claim to completeness. Do you have special requirements? We will be happy to advise you personally on your questions regarding our available materials and services.

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