Controlled Expansion Alloys: Invar, Kovar, Alloy 42, Alloy 52, Etc.

Controlled Expansion Alloys

For applications where metals must form a hermetic seal with glass or ceramic (e.g. vacuum tubes, lamps, power tubes, etc.), or applications where a specific expansion must be met over a certain temperature range (e.g. optoelectronics, optical and laser benches, etc.).

Our company supplies:

Invar

Invar is a low expansion alloy, consisting of 36% Nickel, balance Iron. This alloy exhibits extremely low expansion around ambient temperatures and is often used where minimum expansion is required. Invar was originally used for surveying tapes. The name Invar is a variant of Invariant, a reference to its low expansion characteristics. Invar is also known as Invar 36, NILO 36, Invar Steel and Pernifer 36.

Kovar

ASTM F-15 Alloy, commonly known as Kovar, is a controlled expansion alloy consisting of 29% Nickel, 17% Cobalt, and balance Iron. Kovar is produced to ensure good properties for machining and deep drawing as well as porosity free product. Its expansion characteristics match both borosilicate (Pyrex) glasses and alumina ceramics. It is one of the most popular of the controlled expansion alloys for hermetic sealing. Kovar is also known as ASTM F-15, NILO K, Pernifer 2918, Rodar, and Dilvar P1.

Alloy 42

Alloy 42 is a controlled expansion alloy, consisting of 42% Nickel, balance Iron; used in a wide variety of electronic application, lead frames, especially for glass and ceramic seals. Alloy 42 is also known as Pernifer 42, NILO 42, and Glass-Seal 42.

Alloy 42-6

Alloy 42-6 is a controlled expansion alloy, consisting of 42% Nickel, 6% Chromium, balance Iron; used in a wide variety of electronic applications, especially for glass seals. Alloy 42 is also known as Glass-Seal 42-6.

Alloy 46

A controlled expansion alloy, consisting of 46% Nickel, balance Iron; used in a variety of electronic applications, especially for glass and ceramic seals. Alloy 46 is also known as Pernifer 462, NILO 464, and Glass-Seal 461.

Alloy 48

Alloy 48 is a controlled expansion alloy, consisting of 48% Nickel, balance Iron; used in a variety of electronic application, especially for glass and ceramic seals. Alloy 48 is also known as Pernifer 48, NILO 48, and Glass-Seal 48.

Alloy 52

Alloy 52 is a controlled expansion alloy, consisting of 51% Nickel, balance Iron; used in a wide variety of electronic applications, especially for glass seals. Alloy 52 is also known as Pernifer 50, NILO 50, and Glass-Seal 52.

Our company supplies the highest quality special purpose metals and alloys for Aerospace/Aviation, Defense, Electronics, Magnetic, Medical, Lighting, Optical, Telecommunications, Ceramics, Heat Treating, and other high-technology industries.