Tungsten Rhenium W-Re Alloy (Plate, Rod, Bar, Wire, and Tube)
Tungsten-Rhenium alloy is a high-performance material composed primarily of tungsten (W) with a controlled addition of rhenium (Re), typically ranging from 3% to 26% Re by weight. W-3Re, W-5Re are common in structural applications requiring high strength. W-25Re and W-26Re are used in thermocouples, electronics, and aerospace due to enhanced ductility and thermal stability.
Tungsten-Rhenium W-Re alloy are available in different forms, such as Tungsten-Rhenium wire, Tungsten-Rhenium rod, Tungsten-Rhenium bar, Tungsten-Rhenium plate, and Tungsten-Rhenium tube. Tungsten with 25% rhenium and Tungsten with 3% rhenium are the most common used compositions.
Princeton Powder is a leading supplier of Tungsten-Rhenium powder and alloys in the United States. Tungsten-Rhenium W-Re wire, rod, bar, plate, and tube are for sale at a competitive price.
Material | Rhenium Tungsten, W-Re |
Form | Tungsten Rhenium 3% Bar Tungsten Rhenium 5% Rod Tungsten Rhenium 25% Wire Tungsten Rhenium 26% Thermocouples Wire |
Appearance | Metallic wires, rods, bars |
Purity | 99.9% |
| Density | Depends on compositions |
Melting Point | 3400 ℃ |
Dimensions | Customized |
Surface Treatment | Pickling or Polishing |
Description of Tungsten Rhenium W-Re Wire (W-3Re, W-5Re, W-25Re, W-26Re)
Tungsten Rhenium (W-Re) wire is a high-performance alloy wire composed of tungsten with 3% to 26% rhenium, designed for extreme-temperature applications. Manufactured using powder metallurgy, the process involves blending high-purity tungsten and rhenium powders, compacting, sintering, and drawing the material into precision wires through hot and cold working. This alloy wire is widely used in high-temperature thermocouples (Type C, D, G), aerospace propulsion systems, nuclear reactors, and industrial heating applications due to its superior strength, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance. To ensure optimal performance, W-Re wire undergoes annealing and surface purification for improved ductility and electrical conductivity. Its exceptional durability and precision make it an ideal choice for extreme environments in aerospace, energy, and scientific research.
Tungsten Rhenium Alloy Properties
| W | W-3Re | W-25Re | W-26Re | Re | ||
| Melting Point (℃) | 3410 | 3360 | 3100 | 2950 | 3170 | |
| Density (g/cm3) | 19.3 | 19.4 | 19.65 | 19.66 | 21.02 | |
| Resistivity | 20 ℃ | 5.5 | 9.7 | 27.9 | 29.6 | 19.8 |
| (uΩ.cm) | 1000 ℃ | 36.2 | 37.8 | 54.7 | 55.5 | 62.0 |
| 1500 ℃ | 52 | 53.5 | 68.5 | 70.6 | 82.0 | |
| 2000 ℃ | 66.0 | 69.0 | 82.0 | 85.0 | 150.0 | |
| Microhardness (MPa) | Machined | 3423-3923 | 3923-4325 | 5394-7845 | 5394-7845 | 4903-7845 |
| 1000 ℃ annealed | 834 | 2844-3040 | 3579-3678 | 3678-3776 | 1412 | |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | Machined | 1950 | 3300 | 2400 | 2410 | 2256-2452 |
| 1400 ℃ annealed | 1650 | 1750 | 1950 | 1970 | ||
| 1600 ℃ annealed | 1200 | 1620 | 1810 | 1800 | ||
| 1800 ℃ annealed | 850 | 1420 | 1600 | 1620 | ||
| Elongation (%) | Machined | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| 1400 ℃ annealed | 1-2 | 2-3 | 15-20 | 15-20 | 20-25 | |
| 1600 ℃ annealed | 1-2 | 5-10 | 18-22 | 18-22 | 18-20 | |
| 1800 ℃ annealed | 1-2 | 10-15 | 17-19 | 17-19 | 10-15 | |
| Recrystallization Rate | 1100 | 1500 | 1800 | 1780 | 15 | |
Tungsten Rhenium Alloy Application
- Aerospace & space exploration (rocket nozzles, thrusters)
- High-temperature thermocouples (Type C, D, G)
- Electronics & X-ray tubes
- Nuclear & fusion energy components
FAQ Tungsten Rhenium W-Re Alloy
What is Tungsten Rhenium (W-Re) Alloy?
Tungsten Rhenium (W-Re) alloy is a high-performance metal alloy composed of tungsten with 3% to 26% rhenium, offering enhanced ductility, strength, and high-temperature stability. It is widely used in thermocouples, aerospace, nuclear energy, and electronics.
What are the common compositions of W-Re alloy?
The most commonly used compositions include:
- W-3Re, W-5Re: Used for structural applications requiring high strength.
- W-25Re, W-26Re: Ideal for thermocouples, aerospace, and electronic components due to superior flexibility and temperature resistance.
Why is rhenium added to tungsten?
Rhenium improves ductility, creep resistance, and mechanical strength, allowing the alloy to perform better in extreme environments compared to pure tungsten, which is more brittle.
Is W-Re alloy resistant to oxidation?
While W-Re alloys have good oxidation resistance at high temperatures, they are still susceptible to oxidation in air above 500°C to 1,000°C. Protective coatings or vacuum environments are often used in such applications.
Can W-Re alloys be machined or welded?
Yes, W-Re alloys can be machined, forged, and welded, but due to their high hardness and brittleness, specialized techniques such as electro-discharge machining (EDM) or electron beam welding (EBW) are recommended.