Why Is Molybdenum Sheet Chosen as Connectors in Vacuum Furnaces?

A vacuum furnace, as a core device for high-temperature heat treatment and material processing in high-vacuum or inert gas environments, relies on the efficient collaboration of its components for stable operation, with connectors serving as an indispensable "link." Connectors are components that join critical parts within the vacuum furnace, such as heating elements to electrodes and heating elements to the furnace structure. They not only facilitate current transmission and heat conduction but also provide structural fixation and stress buffering. Among various materials, molybdenum sheet stands out due to its multiple advantages, making it the ideal choice for vacuum furnace connectors.

From a functional perspective, connectors play multiple critical roles in vacuum furnaces. First, they ensure conductive transmission, requiring good electrical conductivity to deliver current efficiently and stably from the power source to the heating elements. Excessive resistance in connectors can lead to electrical energy loss and localized overheating, potentially causing insufficient heating element power, which affects the furnace's heating efficiency and temperature uniformity. Second, they control heat conduction; during current transmission, connectors generate some heat, necessitating a balance between conductivity and thermal conductivity to prevent excessive heat transfer to electrodes or the furnace body, which could impact the performance and lifespan of other components. Third, they provide structural fixation and stability; as heating elements expand and contract with temperature changes during furnace operation, connectors must securely hold the elements in place, preventing loosening or detachment while buffering thermal stress to avoid structural damage from mechanical vibration or stress concentration. Finally, they ensure environmental compatibility; in high-vacuum or inert gas environments, connector materials must not react with other materials or gases to avoid contaminating the processing environment and affecting process precision.

Molybdenum sheet is the preferred material for vacuum furnace connectors due to the excellent alignment of its unique physicochemical properties with the functional requirements of connectors. The basic characteristics of molybdenum sheet include: first, good electrical and thermal conductivity; second, excellent high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance; third, good ductility and weldability. Compared to other materials, molybdenum sheet offers distinct advantages. Traditional connector materials like copper and aluminum, while highly conductive, have low melting points and are prone to softening or deforming at high temperatures. Stainless steel and other alloys, though heat-resistant, have poor conductivity and may release gases that contaminate the environment. Graphite connectors, on the other hand, suffer from insufficient mechanical strength and are prone to brittle fracture.

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