Molybdenum
Molybdenum Etching for High-Temp Applications
Molybdenum can be photochemically etched into thin metal precision parts for a wide range of technological applications in defense, aerospace, and energy industries.
The benefits of chemical etching include:
- Low-cost tooling
- Quick design adaptation
- Volume production
- Material versatility
- No additional cost for adding multiple geometries
- Burr and stress-free parts
Molybdenum is a silver-gray refractory metal, present in many oxidation states (such as molybdenum(VI) oxide (MoO3) and Molybdenum dioxide (MOO2), and commonly referred to as Moly or Mo.
The metal itself and its alloys or mixtures (such as molybdenum-lanthanum and molybdenum-copper alloys) have thermal properties similar to Tungsten-Copper and are extensively utilized for many applications due to its unique properties, which include:
- A high melting point of 2,623° C
- Very low coefficient of thermal expansion
- High-temperature tolerance
- High-corrosion resistance
- High thermal conductivity
These properties of molybdenum (Mo) make it an ideal material for manufacturing parts and components to be used in high-temperature environments, such as:
- Cauterizing elements
- Control and shadow grids for electron-beam devices
- Heating elements
- Ceramic-to-metal joining
Our Etching Capabilities
Elcon Precision uses chemical etching techniques (also known as wet etching techniques) to produce precise images and designs on molybdenum films for your specific applications.
Our molybdenum etching services include:
- Etching of molybdenum parts from metal sheets up to 14″ wide by 20″ long and 0.002″ to 0.040″ thick
- Combining chemical etching and CNC machining to produce parts from sheets up to 0.080″ thick (depends on features)
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Molybdenum Etching Applications
One of the unique and attractive properties of molybdenum is its ability to withstand high temperatures without losing its strength and structural integrity. This is utilized by various industries to manufacture parts and components of devices operating in extreme heat environments.
Here’re a few examples of parts manufactured using molybdenum etching:
- Heating elements
- Arthroscopic and endoscopic instruments
- Microwave electronics
- Electronic-beam guns
- Ceramic heaters
- Semiconductor fabrication tools
- 3D grids
- Microwave electronics
Committed to Quality Control
“Design with precision” is our motto while etching molybdenum thin film sheets for any application. And this unmatched capability of ours has made us the only etching manufacturer on the west coast with ISO 9001-2015, AS9100D, and ITAR accreditations.
We use state-of-the-art inspection tools to measure each component and assembly before shipping, ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using molybdenum for etching?
The following properties of molybdenum make it an excellent material for etching defense and aerospace components:
- A high melting point of 2,623° C
- Very low coefficient of thermal expansion
- High-temperature tolerance
- High-corrosion resistance
- High thermal conductivity
How quickly can a molybdenum etching project be completed?
A molybdenum etching project has an average turnaround time of 2-4 weeks. However, it differs based on the type of project. Therefore, please contact us for a more precise turnaround time based on your project requirements.
Is molybdenum etching a cost-effective method?
Yes, molybdenum etching is a cost-effective method because there is no hard tooling required to manufacture your parts. At Elcon Precision, we believe high-quality and high-performing components shouldn’t be expensive. So, connect with us today to learn more about our pricing options for your project requirements.
Connect With Elcon Precision
With over 50 years of experience, Elcon Precision is a trusted service provider of high-tech components and parts serving the defense, medical, and aerospace industries. We work with our customers (like YOU) to understand your requirements and provide a customized precision solution suiting your project needs.
Looking for Elcon Precision’s support for your next project?
Contact us today and find out how we can help you achieve your goal by delivering precision parts for your applications.
