In industries where precision, stability, and airtight sealing are critical, choosing the right alloy can make all the difference. Kovar wire is one such specialized material widely used in electronics, aerospace, medical, and hermetic sealing applications. Known for its controlled thermal expansion and excellent compatibility with glass and ceramics, Kovar wire ensures reliable performance even under extreme temperature changes.
If you are searching for a dependable Kovar wire supplier, understanding its properties, composition, and industrial uses will help you select the right product for your application.
What is Kovar Wire?
Kovar wire is a nickel–cobalt ferrous alloy wire specifically engineered to match the thermal expansion characteristics of borosilicate glass and ceramic materials. This unique property makes it ideal for glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal sealing applications, where dimensional stability is essential.
It is commonly known by:
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Alloy K
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ASTM F15
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UNS K94610
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Alloy 29-17 (29% Nickel, 17% Cobalt)
Kovar wire is manufactured through controlled melting, drawing, and annealing processes to ensure precise diameter, strength, and surface finish, making it suitable for high-precision industries.
Chemical Composition of Kovar Wire
The special performance of Kovar wire comes from its balanced alloy chemistry:
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Nickel (Ni): ~29%
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Cobalt (Co): ~17%
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Iron (Fe): Balance
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Small traces of Manganese, Silicon, and Carbon
This composition provides excellent dimensional stability, strength, and sealing compatibility with glass and ceramics.
Key Properties of Kovar Wire
Kovar wire offers several unique characteristics that make it highly valuable for technical and industrial uses.
1. Controlled Thermal Expansion
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Matches glass and ceramic materials
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Prevents cracking or leakage during heating and cooling
2. Excellent Glass-to-Metal Sealing Ability
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Forms strong, airtight hermetic seals
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Ideal for electronic and vacuum components
3. High Strength & Durability
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Good tensile strength
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Resists deformation under stress
4. Good Corrosion Resistance
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Performs well in controlled and vacuum environments
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Long service life
5. Good Formability & Weldability
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Easy to draw into fine wires
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Suitable for welding and fabrication
6. Stable Performance at Elevated Temperatures
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Maintains structure under thermal cycling
These features make Kovar wire highly reliable for critical and sensitive applications.
Available Forms & Specifications
Kovar wire is available in multiple forms to meet different industrial needs:
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Fine wire
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Round wire
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Flat wire
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Rods and bars
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Custom cut lengths
Common standards include:
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ASTM F15
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ASTM F1684
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MIL specifications
Suppliers typically offer custom diameters, tolerances, and finishes based on application requirements.
Industrial Applications of Kovar Wire
Thanks to its unique thermal and sealing properties, Kovar wire is widely used across advanced industries.
Electronics & Semiconductor Industry
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Lead wires
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Transistor headers
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Microelectronic packaging
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Connectors and pins
Glass-to-Metal Sealing
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Vacuum tubes
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Lamps and lighting equipment
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Sensors
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Feedthroughs
Aerospace & Defense
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Hermetic seals
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High-reliability components
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Precision instruments
Medical Devices
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Diagnostic equipment
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Implantable device components
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Monitoring systems
Telecommunications
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RF packages
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Electronic housings
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Fiber optic components
Kovar wire ensures airtight sealing, electrical reliability, and long-term durability in these demanding environments.
Why Choose Kovar Wire?
If your application involves:
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Hermetic or vacuum sealing
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Glass or ceramic bonding
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High thermal cycling
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Precision electronics
Then Kovar wire is the ideal material choice.
It provides:
✔ Reliable sealing
✔ Reduced failure rates
✔ Long service life
✔ Excellent dimensional stability
Although it is a specialized alloy, its performance benefits often outweigh the cost in critical applications.
Conclusion
Kovar wire is a precision-engineered alloy designed specifically for applications where thermal compatibility and airtight sealing are essential. Its unique composition, stable expansion rate, and strength make it indispensable in electronics, aerospace, medical, and high-tech manufacturing industries.
Partnering with a trusted Kovar wire supplier ensures consistent quality, certified materials, and customized sizes to meet your project requirements.
