| http://www.amarkindustries.com/ |
Kovar Wire for Highly Specialized Applications |
| Amark Nov 14th 2008 |
Kovar wire is manufactured from a nickel-cobalt ferrous iron alloy that offers unique thermal expansion properties. Kovar wire is particularly prized by the electrical and electronics industry where it is widely utilized in mercury switches and semiconductor devices. Kovar wire is a much valued product that expands and contracts at a nearly identical rate to glass and ceramics when these materials are exposed to heat and cold. This identical expansion and contraction rate makes Kovar wire an ideal product for the sealing and/or bonding of other materials to glass and ceramics. Some of the applications for Kovar wire are in the production of the following items:
Kovar Wire is used for Expansion JointsDue to its unique nickel-cobalt ferrous iron alloy expansion and contraction rates, Kovar wire is widely used for control or expansion joints between various other metals and ceramics or glass. Because of the very brittle nature of ceramics and glass, these materials have a tendency to shatter under minute amounts of stress, and any material that comes into contact with glass or ceramics (either as a bonding, sealing or expansion joint material), during periods of heating or cooling, must expand and contract at a nearly identical rate. If these expansion and contraction compatibilities are not achieved, the glass and ceramic materials will shatter, which is why Kovar wire is the electrical and electronics industry material of choice for these highly specialized applications. Kovar Wire is Used for Hermetically Sealed EnvironmentsA hermetic seal is basically an airtight seal. Many electrical and electronic components or devices require a hermetic seal to protect the contents of a glass or ceramic envelope from outside contaminants that can affect the performance of the component or device. A vacuum tube would be a good example of an electronic application where a hermetic seal is required, and a Kovar product, whether it be in the form of Kovar wire, rod, sheet goods, etc., is the ideal material to achieve a hermetically sealed environment for these components. Kovar Wire and Other Forms of the Nickel-Cobalt Ferrous Iron AlloyDue to the exceptionally wide variety of specialized applications for the Kovar alloy, manufacturers of the material provide it to the electrical and electronics industries in a variety of forms, including:
Kovar Wire for Everyday Products that are All Around UsThe electrical and electronics industry can be credited with supplying us with an endless array of products that make our life easier and more enjoyable in countless ways. And a little known specialty product known as Kovar wire plays an important role. Where in the world would we be without it?
Kovar Wire |