MetalsTek recently completed and delivered a custom indium wire order with a specified diameter of Ø1.6 mm and a purity requirement of 4N5 (99.995%). Since this diameter was outside our regular wire specifications, the project required dedicated production tooling.
The regular Ø1.5 mm wire provided the comparison size for this request. The photographs show the finished material and packaging.
Customer requirements
The customer needed a defined wire diameter and purity grade. The order specified pure indium, with the following requirements and delivery status.
| Parameter | Project specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Custom indium wire |
| Material | Indium (In) |
| Required purity | 4N5 / 99.995% |
| Nominal diameter | Ø1.6 mm |
| Manufacturing requirement | Dedicated tooling |
| Order status | Manufactured and delivered |
The purity value is the order requirement. It should be distinguished from an analytical result for an individual batch. Any batch-specific purity claim needs the applicable certificate and its stated reporting basis.
Why the diameter required a tooling review
The specified 1.6 mm diameter is 0.1 mm greater than the regular 1.5 mm size. Substituting the smaller wire would change the order specification and require customer approval. The required tolerance should also be agreed: a nominal diameter alone does not define acceptance limits.
Indium is a soft metal. During wire manufacture and subsequent handling, diameter consistency, surface condition and deformation deserve attention. For example, pulling indium wire forcefully from a spool can stretch it.
For this project, our regular tooling could not directly meet the requested diameter. MetalsTek developed dedicated tooling for the Ø1.6 mm specification.
Custom tooling for the requested specification
Dedicated tooling gave this order a defined manufacturing scope beyond supplying an existing wire size. The completed project established a Ø1.6 mm supply example within MetalsTek’s custom wire work.
For another custom wire enquiry, the starting point should be the drawing or written specification. Diameter, tolerance and the required supplied length or weight help define the work. Packaging and any documentation requirements should be agreed during quotation, especially where the material will be used in a controlled research or assembly process.
Our indium wire product page covers available supply options. Other diameters and tolerances need a separate technical review before MetalsTek can confirm feasibility.
Handling, packaging and delivery
Soft wire can deform through handling or contact with surrounding objects. Protection during packing and transport needs to suit the delivery format. For high-purity material, contact surfaces and handling materials also need attention. Skin oils can affect indium components; clean gloves or suitable tweezers can reduce direct contact, depending on the operation.
The supplied photographs show the wire on spools inside clear containers, with protective wrapping visible. For a new enquiry, specify the required packing format and any inspection or certificate requirements before production. Where vacuum packing or clean handling conditions are needed, ask for confirmation of the proposed arrangement.
MetalsTek completed manufacture and delivered the custom wire. Buyers with a similar drawing can use this completed order as a starting point for a new specification review.
Applications and further customization
Indium wire is used in applications such as vacuum sealing and research assemblies. Suitability depends on the joint or assembly design, operating conditions and the way the wire will be handled. The customer’s specific application is not identified in this case.
Buyers comparing wire with indium sheet and foil can also review the MetalsTek indium product range. The required shape and dimensions should follow the intended use. State whether the wire will be cut into pieces, formed into a seal or incorporated into an experimental assembly so the quotation can address relevant supply details.
Frequently asked questions
Can indium wire be manufactured in non-standard diameters?
MetalsTek completed this Ø1.6 mm order using dedicated tooling. Other sizes can be submitted for review with the required tolerance, quantity and supply format. Feasibility must be confirmed for the specific request.
What does 4N5 purity mean for indium wire?
4N5 denotes a 99.995% purity grade. Here it identifies the customer’s specified requirement. A batch certificate should be checked for the measured result, impurities covered and reporting basis.
Why can a different wire diameter require custom tooling?
Existing tooling is intended for particular product sizes. If it cannot directly produce the requested specification, new tooling may be needed. In this case, Ø1.6 mm was outside MetalsTek’s regular wire specifications.
What information is needed for a custom indium wire quotation?
Provide the diameter and tolerance, purity requirement, quantity, length or weight, and packaging requirements. Include a drawing and any certificate or inspection requirements that affect acceptance.
Request custom indium wire
Send MetalsTek your required diameter and tolerance, purity, quantity, supplied length or weight, and packaging requirements. Our team will review the proposed specification and confirm the available manufacturing and delivery options.
Technical references
General handling and grade notation: Indium Corporation handling guidance (PDF) and commercial indium data sheet (PDF). These references describe the material and do not document this project’s manufacturing or inspection.
