Tungsten Crucibles

Compare E-beam liners, cylindrical crucibles and drawing-based configurations. Send the model or OD, ID, height, wall thickness and operating conditions for a specification review.

What to Specify

Standard model: send the ECW code and quantity from the table. Custom crucible: provide OD, ID, height, wall and base thickness, lid, spout, material/purity, quantity and drawing.

Specify charge material, peak temperature, dwell time, vacuum or gas atmosphere, heating/cooling cycle and support arrangement. Machined/forged, sintered and deposited parts require different material-state and inspection reviews.

Dimensional confirmation: The catalog retains original mm/inch values. Where conversions disagree (for example ECW-06: 24.8 mm versus 0.94 in), confirm the controlling dimension on the drawing before ordering. The cylindrical size bands describe a separate configuration range.

Choose a Crucible Configuration

Start with a catalog E-beam model or a cylindrical size range below. For a custom shape, lid or spout, supply a drawing and process conditions. Confirm material grade, purity basis, manufacturing route and inspection requirements for the selected configuration.

Tungsten E-Beam Crucibles

Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

Material: Tungsten, W 99.95%

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 to other carbon-based crucibles where there are concerns about trace carbon contamination.

Tungsten Standard Crucible (Cylindrical)

Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

Material: Tungsten, W≥99.95% (confirm the selected grade)

Published density: ≥18.2 g/cm³; surface: Ra≤1.6 (unit and acceptance basis to be confirmed).

Production options listed in this catalog: sintered or forged stock with subsequent machining. The previous OD 70 mm split is a selection guide, not a universal process rule.

Published 2,400°C operating figure requires application review; it is not a blanket service rating. Specify atmosphere, loading and temperature cycle.

Custom dimensions; with or without lid subject to drawing review.

Custom Tungsten Crucible

Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

Material: Tungsten or a specified tungsten alloy; confirm exact chemistry.

The previously published custom purity span of 99%–99.9999% covers different proposed material/process routes and requires separate verification; it is not a standard purity promise.

Published envelope: OD ≤200 mm; height ≤500 mm; deposition thickness ≤10 mm where applicable. Larger cylindrical catalog ranges below belong to different configurations.

Provide a drawing for tailored shape, wall, base, lid, spout and interface review.

Tungsten Crucible Specifications

Tungsten E-Beam Crucible
Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference
Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

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.
Tungsten Cylindrical Crucible
Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference
Tungsten Crucibles​

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.

Video-Crucibles & Boats from MetalsTek

Description

Tungsten crucibles are considered for crystal growth, evaporation and selected high-temperature processing. Melting point is a material reference and does not define a usable crucible temperature. Review atmosphere, charge chemistry, thermal cycle, mechanical support and contamination limits.

Sintered, forged/machined and deposited configurations are distinct manufacturing routes. The earlier CVD figures (98.5% theoretical density and 99.9999% purity) require process-specific confirmation; they do not apply across the catalog. The route and accepted properties must be stated in the quotation and inspection requirements.

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.

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

The engineering notes below explain how geometry, manufacturing route, material condition and operating environment affect selection. They supplement the catalog tables and do not imply that all crucibles share one lifetime, purity or operating-temperature rating.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

What is a Tungsten Crucible?

Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

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?

Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

Tungsten offers a high melting point and thermal stability useful for selected crucible designs. Actual dimensional stability depends on geometry, support, temperature and material condition. Charge/crucible compatibility and contamination must be assessed for the specific process; chemical inertness is not universal.

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 design categories discussed in engineering literature; supply and processing details for specialized cleaned, reinforced or deposited variants require confirmation:

  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. Cleaning acceptance and residual contamination limits must be agreed for the process.

  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.

Tungsten crucible product and dimensional reference

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
  • Temperature: The 3,422°C melting point is not a service rating. Review peak temperature, dwell and atmosphere.
  • Thermal cycling: Heating/cooling rates, wall transitions and support affect cracking and deformation risk.
  • Chemical compatibility: Confirm reactions and wetting with the actual charge, vapor and residual gases.
  • Oxidation: Hot tungsten requires atmosphere review; air or oxygen exposure is not covered by a blanket oxidation-resistance claim.
  • Life and strength: Depend on material state, grain structure, porosity, stress and process history; no universal lifetime is specified.
Tungsten crucible product photo

Chapter 5

How to Choose A Tungsten Crucible?

Tungsten crucible product photo

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, with a material melting point of 3,422°C (6,192°F). This is not an allowable operating temperature; confirm the service conditions separately.
  • Chemical Environment: Assess the chemical environment in which the crucible will be used. Hot tungsten can oxidize in oxygen-containing environments. Corrosion and charge compatibility must be reviewed for the actual chemical system. 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

For a quotation, identify the catalog model or provide a drawing, material grade and purity, OD/ID, height, wall/base thickness, lid or spout details, quantity and operating conditions. Manufacturing route, inspection scope and any exceptional purity or finish requirement are confirmed for the individual design.

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