Controlled Expansion Alloys
Electronic components are important in almost every aspect of our lives. Not just in entertainment, telecommunications and the automotive industry but also in Aerospace and Defence.
Sensitive microelectronics need to be housed in robust, hermetic enclosures often in very hostile environments where they are subjected to heat, moisture and contamination. To ensure sealing integrity for these components, the thermal expansion characteristics of the alloys must be adjusted to that of the various glass grades and ceramic materials being joined to them.
We offer wire, bar and plate in nickel-iron alloys, Kovar 2918, Invar 36, Alloy 42 and Alloy 51 with the necessary controlled expansion characteristics. Also these alloys are offered with correct mechanical characteristics dependent on the manufacturing process employed for them whether this be turning on sliding-head lathes, conventional turning/milling or drawing/stamping on presses.
Nickel–Iron–Cobalt Alloy
F15 is a controlled thermal expansion alloy composed of nickel, cobalt and iron. With thermal expansion properties that closely match those of certain types of glass (borosilicate or Pyrex) and alumina ceramics F15 is a good choice for hermetic sealing applications. F15 is produced with good machining properties and is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure it is free from pores and inclusions.
Alloy 36
Alloy 36 is a low expansion alloy, consisting of 36% Nickel with a balance of Iron. This alloy exhibits extremely low thermal expansion properties around ambient temperatures and is often used where minimum expansion is required. It was originally used for surveying tapes and common uses include measuring and calibration scales.
Alloy 42
Alloy 42 is a controlled expansion alloy, consisting of 42% Nickel with a balance of Iron. It is used in a wide variety of glass and ceramic sealing applications together with other electronics applications including lead frames.
Alloy 52
Alloy 52 is a controlled thermal expansion alloy composed of nickel and iron. Its low thermal expansion properties make it suitable for a range of glass to metal sealing applications and for the manufacture of hermetic packages. Alloy 52 is produced with good machining properties and is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure it is free from pores and inclusions.