Niobium C-103®
Origin
- United States
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Description
Composed of niobium, hafnium and titanium, niobium C-103 provides a high-performance alloy solution for aerospace, spacecraft, missiles and launch vehicles. C-103 has high temperature and load-bearing characteristics while still being relatively easy to work with when compared to other materials. Niobium has the lowest density of the refractory metals and exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, high room-temperature ductility, low ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (giving it resistance to high frequency vibrations at cryogenic temperatures), and good weldability.
This alloy is melted and produced by MATERION in the USA.
Each batch is delivered with its original certificate of conformity to warranty a full traceability.
Main applications
This alloy is used for the production of parts exposed to high temperature up to 1480°C and high stresses.
Applications are typically high-thrust rocket nozzles, steering nozzles for missiles, rockets, satellites, or jet engine afterburner flap section.
Metallurgy
Usual delivery temper is annealed with a fully recristallized microstructure. Recritallization is performed at 1260°C and microstructure is made of a single phase.
Machinability
This alloy can be machined and welded.
Corrosion resistance
This alloy has a high oxidation resistance at high temperatures. It can be used for engine applications at high temperature.
Standard Sizes
- Round bars (diameter 38 up to 165 mm), sheets (thickness 4,8 up to 6 mm) and plates (thickness 6 up to 25,4mm).
- Powders and wires for additive manufacturing –
- Other shapes : upon request