By alloying the tungsten with rhenium it is possible to produce tungsten alloys with a higher strength, lower brittle-ductile transition temperature and increased ductility. PLANSEE manufactures the standard alloys W5Re and W26Re.
Advantages compared to pure tungsten:
- lower transition temperature from brittle to ductile condition
- no brittleness in recrystallized condition
- higher recrystallization temperature
- better weldability
- higher thermal stability
- higer creep stability up to 1800 °C
Disadvantages compared to pure W:
- more difficult to machine
Typical areas of application:
- propulsion nozzles for the aerospace industry
- focal paths for X-ray targets in the medical technology
- thermoelements up to 2000 °C for the high temperature furnace construction
