Alloy 46,Glass sealing 46 Alloy Rod,UNS K94600,E FORU

British Specs:，American Specs: ASTM F30，German Specs:

### **Alloy 46 (Glass Sealing 46) - Product Overview** **Alloy 46** is a low-expansion, iron-nickel alloy specifically designed for matched sealing with certain types of soft glass, such as soda-lime and lead-alkali silicate glasses. Its controlled coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is engineered to closely match that of the glass over a specific temperature range, which is critical for creating reliable, hermetic seals that are resistant to thermal stress and cracking. * **UNS Designation:** **K94600** * **Common Product Forms:** Rod, wire, strip, ribbon, and pin. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The chemical composition of Alloy 46 is precisely controlled to ensure consistent thermal expansion properties. | Element | Percentage (%) | Role in the Alloy | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Nickel (Ni)** | 45.0 - 47.0 | Primary element defining the Curie point and thermal expansion characteristics. | | **Iron (Fe)** | Balance | Base element of the alloy. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.10 - 0.30 | Aids in deoxidation during melting and improves hot workability. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.10 - 0.30 | Improves oxidation resistance and fluidity during sealing. | | **Carbon (C)** | 0.05 max | Kept low to prevent embrittlement and ensure good ductility. | | **Sulfur (S)** | 0.02 max | Impurity, kept low to prevent hot shortness. | | **Phosphorus (P)** | 0.02 max | Impurity, kept low to maintain ductility. | --- #### **2. Physical Properties** The physical properties of Alloy 46 are defined by its unique thermal expansion behavior. | Property | Value / Condition | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | 8.18 g/cm³ (0.295 lb/in³) | | | **Melting Point** | ~1427 °C (2600 °F) | | | **Curie Temperature** | ~430 °C (805 °F) | The temperature at which the alloy loses its ferromagnetism. This is a critical point where the CTE curve changes. | | **Thermal Expansion Coefficient (CTE)** | 20 - 300°C: ~9.6 μm/m·°C (5.3 μin/in·°F)
20 - 450°C: ~10.6 μm/m·°C (5.9 μin/in·°F) | The CTE closely matches that of soft glasses (e.g., Corning 0080, 0120, 0010, 9010, 9040). | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 14.9 W/m·K (103 Btu·in/hr·ft²·°F) at 20°C | | | **Specific Heat** | 0.46 J/g·°C (0.11 Btu/lb·°F) at 20°C | | | **Electrical Resistivity** | 0.49 μΩ·m at 20°C | | | **Magnetic Properties** | Ferromagnetic at room temperature. Becomes paramagnetic above its Curie point. | | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties (Typical - Annealed Condition)** Alloy 46 is typically supplied in the annealed state to ensure maximum ductility for forming and sealing operations. * **Tensile Strength:** 517 - 586 MPa (75 - 85 ksi) * **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset):** 276 - 345 MPa (40 - 50 ksi) * **Elongation:** 30 - 40% * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 152 GPa (22 x 10⁶ psi) * **Hardness (Rockwell B):** 65 - 80 --- #### **4. Product Forms & Specific Applications** **Glass Sealing 46 Alloy Rod** * **Description:** Rod is a common form factor for creating lead-in wires, pins, and stems in glass-to-metal seals. The rod is supplied with a clean, oxide-free surface, often copper-plated to prevent oxidation during storage and improve the wetting characteristics during the sealing process. * **Primary Applications:** * **Lead-in Wires:** The most common application. Used to conduct electrical current through the glass envelope of electronic components like vacuum tubes, incandescent and fluorescent lamps, X-ray tubes, and various hermetic seals. * **Stem Mounts:** Used as support pins for internal components within a glass envelope. * **Hermetic Connectors:** Forms the conductive pin in connectors that require a seal against moisture or gas. * **Sealing Process:** The sealing process involves heating the alloy and glass to a temperature where the glass softens and wets the metal surface, forming a strong, hermetic bond as they cool together. The matched CTE ensures minimal stress in this seal. --- #### **5. International Standards** Alloy 46 / UNS K94600 is covered by several international standards that define its composition and properties. | Standard Type | Standard Number | Title / Specification | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **ASTM** | ASTM F15 | *Standard Specification for Iron-Nickel Sealing Alloys* | | **IEC** | IEC 60404-8-6 | *Metallic magnetic materials - Part 8-6: Specifications for individual materials - Soft magnetic metallic materials* | | **U.S. Military** | MIL-DTL-23488 | *Detail Specification: Dumet Wire (A copper-clad composite wire with a core of Alloy 42 or 52, but related in application)* | | **UNS** | K94600 | Unified Numbering System designation. | | **Common Trade Names** | Glass Sealing 46, 46 Ni-Fe Alloy, ASTM F15 Alloy 46 | | --- **Summary** **Alloy 46 (UNS K94600)** is a specialized functional material whose value is derived from its precise physical property—a thermal expansion curve that matches soft glass—rather than its mechanical strength. The **rod** form is essential in the electronics and lighting industries for creating durable and reliable hermetic seals. Compliance with standards like **ASTM F15** ensures the material's consistency and performance in these critical applications, where a failed seal can lead to the complete failure of the electronic device.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2483 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.