There are a wide range of zirconium components in the metalworking industry. There are ingots, forgings, plates, sheets, rods, tubing, and so many other parts that are all made out of this metal. But what exactly is Zirconium? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this popular metalworking material!
Properties
Zirconium was first discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth and took the world by storm thanks to its unique properties. It is a transition metal with a grayish-white luster. This solid metal is difficult to ignite and its compounds have a low inherent toxicity. One property that makes it particularly appealing is that it is exceptionally resistant to corrosion by many common acids and alkalis, seawater, and numerous other agents. It is also known to become magnetic at low temperatures when alloyed with Zinc. You can find Zirconium on the atomic table as the number 40 with the symbol Zr.
Uses of Zirconium
Zirconium’s intriguing properties make is a popular choice for parts and components in numerous different industries. For example, since it does not absorb neutrons, it is an ideal material for tubes and other parts in nuclear power stations. In fact, 90% of this metal is used in this way. Some other industries that use this metal for a variety of applications include solar power, chemical process, petrochemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, geothermal, mining, utilities, and many more.If you are interested in using zirconium in one of its many forms, we can help. Providing different industries with metal parts that meet their specific requirements is what we do. Whether you need blanks cut to size, cold drawn shapes, or custom castings or forgings, we can fulfill your order accurately, competitively priced, and on a timely basis. Contact us today or visit our foundry online for a quote or to learn more about our services!