These are nickel-iron based alloys that are required for applications where a hermetic seal is required between metal and glass or ceramic. They are also used for applications where a certain thermal expansion is required over a given temperature range. Examples of such applications are light bulbs, vacuum tubes, optoelectronics, etc.

Alloy 36

This grade exhibits near zero coefficient of thermal expansion from room temperature to 100 °C. It is used for applications that cannot tolerate any dimensional changes due to temperature changes. It finds use in precision laser measurement equipment, electronic devices, instrumentation, thermostats, and in antenna/aerial technologies. Another common usage is for making the low expansion part of bimetallic thermostats.

Alloy 42

has a constant low rate of thermal expansion up to temperatures approaching 350 °C. The thermal coefficient of expansion of this alloy matches that of soft glass. As a result, it is used for glass-sealing applications in microelectronic components and vacuum devices. Alloy 42 is also used as the core of Dumet wire, which forms the glass-sealing component of the lead-in-wires used in electric light bulbs. This alloy is also used for thermostats and thermo switches.

Alloy 48

has a thermal expansion coefficient which matches that of soda-lime glass. It is widely used for electric wiring in glass-to-metal connections. It is also used in thermostats for industrial applications up to 450 °C.

Alloy 52

is also a glass-to-metal sealing alloy that is used in compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and other electronic applications.

Alloy 54

is also a glass-to-metal sealing alloy that is used in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), special auto lamps, and other electronic applications.

Note: Other variants with customer specified Nickel content can also be manufactured. Please contact us for more details.