Tungsten Crucibles

Tungsten Crucibles are critical components in high-temperature applications, renowned for their exceptional durability and resistance to extreme heat. At MetalsTek, we offer high-purity Tungsten Crucibles designed for sapphire crystal growth and rare-earth melting processes. With a melting point exceeding 3,400°C (6,150°F), our Tungsten Crucibles ensure reliable performance in demanding environments. Choose MetalsTek for top-quality Tungsten Crucibles that meet your needs and enhance operational efficiency.

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MetalsTek Engineering is a leading supplier of Tungsten Crucibles, including E-Beam Crucibles, Standard Crucibles and Custom Crucibles. With a large material inventory, we offer competitive pricing and excellent lead times on Tungsten Crucibles, and we can supply custom materials per any specs/drawings you provide.

Tungsten E-Beam Crucibles

Tungsten E-Beam Crucibles – High-Temperature Crucibles for Melting Applications

Material: Tungsten, W 99.95%, or Tungsten Alloys

Shape: Arc, Square, Rectangle, Cylinder, Boat

Outer Diameter: ≤200mm / Height: ≤500mm

Deposition thickness: ≤10mm

Standard Capacities: 1mL ~ 40mL, Can be Customized

>Custom sizes are available upon request.

>Recommended for chrome evaporation.

>Refractory metal crucibles can be good alternatives for other carbon-based crucibles with concerns about trace carbon contamination.

Tungsten Standard Crucible (Cylindrical)

Cylindrical tungsten standard crucible for high-temperature applications

Material: Tungsten, W≥99.95%

Density: ≥18.2g/cm3

Surface: Ra≤1.6

Operating temperature: ≤2,400 Degree C

Size: Customized Sizes

Production method: Sintered (OD>70mm); Forged (OD<70mm)

Other: With or Without Lid

Custom Tungsten Crucible

Custom molybdenum crucible featuring an irregular shape, made from high-purity molybdenum (Mo) or TZM, designed for specialized high-temperature applications in various industrial processes

Material: Tungsten or Tungsten Alloy

Purity: 99% ~ 99.9999%

Outer Diameter: ≤200mm

Height: ≤500mm

Deposition thickness: ≤10mm

Other: Tailored Shape, Tailored Sizes

Tungsten Crucible Specifications

E-Beam Crucible
Tantalum e-beam crucible specifications, featuring cylindrical design for optimal melting and processing in high-temperature applications
Cylindrical Crucible
cylinderical-tungsten-crucible-3

Tungsten E-Beam Crucible

Item No.Capacities (mL)Top Diameter A (mm/inch)Height B (mm/inch)Wall Thickness C (mm/inch)Inquiry
ECW-01119.1 (0.75")4.1 (0.16")1.0 (0.04")
ECW-02217.9 (0.70")11.8 (0.47")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-04422.5 (0.89")15.1 (0.60")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-04A421.5 (0.85")17.5 (0.69")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-04B422.5 (0.89")15.1 (0.60")3.2 (0.13")
ECW-06624.8 (0.94")15.1 (0.60")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-07729.6 (1.17")14.3 (0.56")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-07A728.6 (1.13")13.2 (0.52")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-121233.9 (1.33")19.5 (0.77")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-12A1234.3 (1.35")17.3 (0.68")3.2 (0.13")
ECW-151537.6 (1.48")17.0 (0.67")3.2 (0.13")
ECW-15A1537.6 (1.48")17.0 (0.67")6.4 (0.25")
ECW-202042.5 (1.67")19.5 (0.77")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-252547.0 (1.85")17.3 (0.68")3.2 (0.13")
ECW-25A2541.5 (1.63")23.9 (0.94")3.2 (0.13")
ECW-25B2541.5 (1.63")23.9 (0.94")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-25C2547.0 (1.85")17.3 (0.68")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-173048.8 (1.92")20.6 (0.81")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-303045.0 (1.78")23.9 (0.94")3.2 (0.13")
ECW-353552.9 (2.08")19.5 (0.77")2.4 (0.09")
ECW-404051.6 (2.03")25.9 (1.02")6.4 (0.25")
ECW-40A4051.6 (2.03")25.9 (1.02")2.4 (0.09")
Shape and size can be tailored. Regular wall thickness 4.2mm, 5.0mm are also available. Rectangular Tungsten crucible is available.

Cylindrical Tungsten Crucible Specifications

Outer Diameter (mm)Wall Thickness (mm)Height (mm)
10 ~ 301.0 ~ 320 ~ 50
30 ~ 502~ 1020 ~ 100
50 ~ 1003 ~ 1530 ~ 150
100 ~ 1503 ~ 1530 ~ 500
150 ~ 2005 ~ 2030 ~ 500
200 ~ 3008 ~ 2030 ~ 500
300 ~ 4008 ~ 3040 ~ 500
400 ~ 4508 ~ 3050 ~ 500
450 ~ 6208~ 3050 ~ 500
Shape and size can be tailored. Rectangular tungsten crucible is available.

Description

Tungsten crucibles and other parts can be used for sapphire crystal growth and rare-earth melting due to their high-temperature resistance, low pollution, and other excellent characteristics. Tungsten’s melting point is 3422°C (6192°F), making it perfect as a crucible. 

The tungsten crucibles manufactured through the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process exhibit notable characteristics, including a high density reaching up to 98.5% of theoretical density, exceptional purity at 99.9999%, and a distinctive microstructure characterized by columnar or multilayer columnar crystals.

These tungsten crucibles find widespread applications in the production of monocrystals from molten corundum and play a vital role in electronics and thermal vaporization technologies for depositing various substances. Their high melting point is a key attribute of high-temperature furnaces.

Our tungsten crucibles are distinguished by their outstanding thickness transition, smooth surface, high purity, and robust resistance to creep, making them well-suited for demanding applications in high-temperature environments.

Applications of Tungsten Crucibles

Tungsten crucibles find versatile applications across various industries due to their unique properties. Here are some common applications of tungsten crucibles:

Packaging

Our Tungsten Crucibles are clearly tagged and labeled externally to ensure efficient identification and quality control. Great care is taken to avoid any damage which might be caused during storage or transportation.

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The Ultimate Guide to Tungsten Crucibles: From What Why to How

Imagine a material that can withstand temperatures so extreme that most metals would melt into a pool of liquid. This isn’t the stuff of science fiction—it’s the reality of tungsten crucibles. Used across high-tech industries, from aerospace to electronics, tungsten crucibles are essential for processes that push the limits of heat and harsh environments.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

What is a Tungsten Crucible?

Features_Applications_of_Tungsten_Crucibles

A tungsten crucible is a specialized container crafted from tungsten, known for its exceptional properties, particularly its high melting point, which is the highest of all metals at 3422°C (6192°F). This makes tungsten crucibles incredibly valuable for industries and applications that require materials to be heated to extreme temperatures. Their ability to withstand such conditions without melting, deforming, or contaminating the contents makes them essential in various high-tech, scientific, and industrial processes.

Tungsten itself is a dense, hard metal with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and remarkable resistance to corrosion and wear. These properties are critical because they allow the crucible to perform under stressful conditions, including high heat, corrosive environments, and mechanical wear. The material’s high density and mechanical strength also contribute to its effectiveness in containing heavy or aggressive substances securely.

The main appeal of tungsten crucibles lies in their performance in high-temperature applications, where lesser materials would fail. They are used extensively in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, metallurgy, and materials science, especially for tasks like melting rare metals, growing crystals for electronics and optics, and performing heat-based chemical reactions and analyses.

Overall, tungsten crucibles represent a pinnacle of material engineering, combining durability, efficiency, and purity to meet the demands of cutting-edge technological processes. They are an indispensable tool for researchers and industries pushing the limits of what’s possible with modern materials technology.

Chapter 2

Why Tungsten?

refractory-metals

Tungsten can be a crucible material because of its specific properties, which include:

  • High Melting Point: Tungsten’s extreme melting point,3,422°C (6,192°F), allows operations in environments where lesser metals would succumb to the heat.
  • Thermal Stability: It exhibits minimal thermal expansion, a crucial factor for maintaining dimensional stability under high-temperature conditions, essential in precision manufacturing.
  • Chemical Inertness: Its resistance to most acids and molten metals ensures that processes remain uncontaminated, which is critical for high-purity applications in metal refining and semiconductor production.

Chapter 3

Knowing Tungsten Crucibles - Its Types

Tungsten crucibles are designed to meet the specific requirements of various high-temperature processes, making them indispensable in several advanced applications. Depending on the specific use and the unique demands of each application, different types of tungsten crucibles are utilized. Here’s a look at some of the primary types of tungsten crucibles available:

  1. Standard Tungsten Crucibles – Cylindrical Tungsten Crucibles

These are the most commonly used tungsten crucibles and are typically cylindrical in shape. Standard tungsten crucibles are used in a wide range of applications from melting metals and alloys to chemical analysis. Their robustness and high melting point make them suitable for general purposes in laboratories and industrial settings.

  1. E-Beam (Electron Beam) Crucibles – Tungsten E-Beam Crucibles

E-beam crucibles are specifically designed for use in electron beam evaporation systems. These systems are crucial in the thin film deposition processes used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and solar panels. E-beam crucibles often have a more complex design to accommodate the precise requirements of electron beam targeting and evaporation rates, ensuring efficient and uniform material deposition.

  1. Custom-shaped Tungsten Crucibles

For specific applications, tungsten crucibles can be custom-made to various shapes and sizes. This customization allows them to fit perfectly within particular equipment or to optimize the performance for specific processes. For example, crucibles tailored for growing sapphire crystals for LED applications may have unique geometries that optimize the heat distribution and material handling.

  1. High-Density Tungsten Crucibles

These crucibles are made from denser tungsten to provide additional strength and durability. High-density tungsten crucibles are particularly useful in processes that require exceptional thermal conductivity and robustness, such as in high-temperature sintering or melting of particularly abrasive or corrosive materials.

  1. Chemically Cleaned Tungsten Crucibles

For applications requiring extremely high purity, such as certain chemical reactions or materials processing in the semiconductor industry, crucibles can undergo special chemical cleaning processes. This treatment ensures that there are no contaminants that could potentially interfere with the processes or compromise the quality of the final products.

  1. Reinforced Tungsten Crucibles

In some extreme cases, tungsten crucibles are reinforced with other materials to enhance their performance. This might include coatings or linings of other refractory metals that can provide additional resistance to chemical attack or thermal shock.

Each type of tungsten crucible is designed with a specific set of applications in mind, reflecting the diversity of requirements in various fields that rely on high-performance materials under challenging conditions. The choice of a particular type of tungsten crucible depends on factors such as temperature requirements, chemical exposure, and physical stress levels, ensuring that the crucible can perform optimally within its intended environment.

crucibles-ebeamsources_std

Chapter 4

What are Tungsten Crucibles Used For: Applications and Advantages

Tungsten crucibles offer a combination of outstanding properties that make them indispensable in various high-technology, industrial, and scientific applications. Here’s a detailed look at what tungsten crucibles are used for, along with their key advantages.

Applications of Tungsten Crucibles

 

  1. Semiconductor Manufacturing:
    • Thin Film Deposition: Tungsten crucibles are extensively used in vapor deposition processes to produce thin films. These films are crucial for the fabrication of semiconductor devices, solar panels, and thin-film batteries.
  2. Metallurgy and Alloy Production:
    • High-Temperature Alloy Melting: The high melting point and thermal stability of tungsten make its crucibles ideal for melting and mixing high-temperature alloys, such as those used in aerospace and automotive applications.
  3. Sapphire Crystal Growth:
    • LED Technology: Tungsten crucibles are employed in the Kyropoulos process for growing sapphire crystals, which are then used in LED technology. Their ability to withstand the required high temperatures without reacting with the molten alumina is critical.
  4. Material Analysis and Research:
    • Sample Preparation: In scientific research, particularly in materials science, tungsten crucibles are used for heating substances to high temperatures to study their properties or transformations.
  5. Rare Earth and Precious Metal Processing:
    • Refining and Smelting: The chemical inertness of tungsten crucibles makes them suitable for refining and smelting precious metals and rare earth elements, where purity is essential.
  6. Nuclear and Aerospace Applications:
    • High-Temperature Components: The aerospace and nuclear industries utilize tungsten crucibles for processing materials that will be exposed to extreme environments, such as those encountered in rocket engines and nuclear reactors.
Advantages of Tungsten Crucibles
  1. High Melting Point:
    • Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals (3,422°C or 6,192°F), allowing crucibles made from it to be used in applications that reach extremely high temperatures.
  2. Thermal Stability:
    • They exhibit excellent thermal stability and resistance to thermal shock, ensuring consistent performance under conditions of rapid temperature changes.
  3. Corrosion Resistance:
    • Tungsten is highly resistant to corrosion, making tungsten crucibles suitable for handling corrosive substances and environments where other materials might degrade.
  4. Non-Reactive Nature:
    • Its inertness means that tungsten does not react with most molten metals and chemicals, thereby preventing contamination of the materials being processed.
  5. Durability and Longevity:
    • Despite their initial higher cost, tungsten crucibles are cost-effective over time due to their durability and longer lifespan compared to crucibles made from less robust materials.
  6. High Density and Mechanical Strength:
    • Tungsten’s high density and mechanical strength make these crucibles robust and resistant to wear, even under extreme conditions.
crucibles in e-beam

Chapter 5

How to Choose A Tungsten Crucible?

how to choose?

Choosing the right tungsten crucible for your specific application involves understanding several key factors that affect performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Understand the Application Requirements
  • Temperature Range: Consider the operating temperature range of your process. Tungsten crucibles are ideal for high-temperature applications, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3,422°C (6,192°F). Ensure that your application’s temperature needs align with this capability.
  • Chemical Environment: Assess the chemical environment in which the crucible will be used. Tungsten is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it suitable for use with a wide range of chemicals and molten metals. However, specific reactions with certain materials should be considered to avoid potential degradation.
  1. Select the Appropriate Type
  • E-beam Crucibles: If your application involves electron beam evaporation, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing or thin film deposition, e-beam crucibles made of tungsten are recommended due to their precise performance characteristics.
  • Standard Crucibles: For general purposes such as melting, alloying, or high-temperature reactions, standard tungsten crucibles are sufficient. These are versatile and can handle most tasks where high heat and corrosion resistance are required.
  • Custom-shaped Crucibles: For specialized applications, such as growing sapphire crystals for LEDs or specific metallurgical processes, custom-shaped crucibles designed to fit particular equipment and maximize efficiency are the best choice.
  1. Consider Crucible Capacity and Shape
  • Size and Volume: The size and volume of the crucible should match the scale of your operations. Larger crucibles are necessary for high-volume production, while smaller ones might suffice for experimental or small-scale processes.
  • Shape: The shape of the crucible can affect its performance, especially in terms of heat distribution and material handling. Choose a shape that optimizes your process, whether it’s cylindrical, conical, or another configuration that suits your machinery and material flow.
  1. Assess Material Purity and Quality
  • Purity: Ensure that the tungsten used in the crucible is of high purity, especially for applications requiring high-quality final products, such as in semiconductor or optical material production. Impurities in the crucible material can lead to contamination and affect the integrity of the final product.
  • Manufacturing Quality: The quality of craftsmanship in the crucible’s construction will affect its longevity and performance. Look for crucibles that are made with precision and designed to withstand the rigors of your specific application.
  1. Evaluate Cost and Supplier Reliability
  • Cost-Effectiveness: While tungsten crucibles are more expensive than those made from less durable materials, their longevity and ability to withstand extreme conditions can lead to long-term savings. Evaluate the cost relative to the benefits of reduced downtime and fewer replacements.
  • Supplier Reputation: Choose a supplier with a good reputation for quality and customer service. Reliable suppliers will provide crucibles that meet specifications and support in case of issues.
  1. Maintenance and Handling Requirements
  • Maintenance: Understand the maintenance requirements for tungsten crucibles, such as handling practices to avoid damage and cleaning procedures to maintain purity and performance.
  • Handling: Proper handling is crucial to prevent damage to tungsten crucibles, which are brittle at lower temperatures. Ensure that your staff is trained in the correct procedures for installing and handling these crucibles.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a tungsten crucible that meets your needs effectively, ensuring optimal performance and durability in your high-temperature applications.

Chapter 6

Challenges and Considerations

 Despite their advantages, tungsten crucibles present challenges such as their high cost and the difficulty in machining due to their hardness. Proper maintenance can help extend their lifespan, avoiding rapid temperature changes to prevent thermal shock, and handling with care during installation are critical for maximizing their use.

Chapter 7

MetalsTek: Your Trusted Partner for Tungsten Crucibles

Tungsten crucibles play a pivotal role in the advancement of materials technology, offering unmatched performance in high-temperature applications. Industries that require utmost reliability and precision under extreme conditions would do well to consider tungsten crucibles as a key component of their manufacturing processes. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for such resilient materials will only grow, making the investment in tungsten crucibles a wise choice for future-ready industries.

At MetalsTek, we take great pride in providing top-notch Tungsten Crucibles that meet the demanding requirements of today’s industries. Our dedication to quality, coupled with our capability to tailor targets to precise sizes and compositions, positions us as the go-to choice for businesses looking to push boundaries and achieve greatness.