Zirconium Metal
Primary Zirconium Metal Uses and Considerations
Exotic and silver-gray, Zirconium metal is corrosion-resistant to many acids and alkalis and has a very high melting point (3370°F).
Accounting for approximately 90% of the Zirconium metal market, the predominant application is as an additive to Niobium in cladding for the long fuel rods inside nuclear reactors.
Since the material is highly corrosion-resistant, it is also widely employed in the chemical processing industry for severe applications, including evaporators, reactor vessels, pumps, valves, trays, and piping.
What you need to know about buying Zirconium metal materials
- Zirconium metal does not absorb neutrons, making it beneficial for applications in nuclear power plants.
- A very thin oxide layer that forms on the exposed surface of this exotic metal provides its corrosion resistance.
- Zirconium is used in thin film coating processes used in fuel cell and solar energy components.
- Most Zirconium metal is used as an alloy to improve required properties.
Zirconium Metal Product Selection and Purchasing Options
Zirconium metal comes in several formats, which require ASTM specifications as follows (other specifications are available upon request):
Flat pure Zirconium metal products (Grade R60702) are produced to ASTM B551 for general applications and ASTM B352 for nuclear applications.
Round products (BAR and WIRE) are produced to ASTM B550 for general applications and ASTM B351 for nuclear applications.
Please specify the surface finish (hot or cold finished) and if annealed condition is required.
Electronics Industry Standards and Requirements
Industries constantly evolve, driven by a growing demand for scientific and technological advancement. Successful experimentation must ensure material integrity, safety, performance, and compliance with strict environmental and operational regulations.
These standards typically focus on aspects like purity, quality, and durability to guarantee that refractory metals meet the demanding conditions of high-stakes research applications. Because they serve multiple industries and extreme environments, this list includes more than average standards and requirements.
Research Lab Standards and Requirements:
- ASTM International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers): Standards for materials used in energy applications.
- SAE Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS, formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE)
- ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code): Guidelines for materials used in pressure vessels and reactors.
- Department of Defense (DoD) Military Standards or Military Specifications (MIL) on the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) ASSIST Database
We adhere to quality compliance certification standards and statutory regulations that pertain to our exotic materials, processes, custom machining services, traceability, and other aspects of our in-house expertise. Our materials specialists provide expert counsel on metal selection and inspection to ensure you receive materials that meet or exceed your expectations.
Leading Edge Metals & Alloys Certifications include:
- ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D Registered
- ITAR Registered
- DD2345 JCP Approval
- NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Compliant
Our deep understanding of this industry stems from our extensive experience, skilled metallurgy professionals, and a history of successful partnerships with leading national research labs.
