The key application of molybdenum sheets in optical fiber drawing furnaces
The optical fiber drawing furnace is the core equipment in optical fiber manufacturing, which is used to heat preforms to a molten state and draw them into fine wires. In this high-temperature precision process, molybdenum sheets, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, have become ideal materials for key components of wire drawing furnaces, mainly applied in heating elements, heat insulation screens, and support structures, among other fields. Firstly, molybdenum sheets, as high-temperature heating elements, have a melting point as high as 2620℃, which is much higher than that of common metals (such as nickel-chromium alloys), and can work stably for a long time without softening or deforming. Molybdenum sheets can be processed into strip-shaped or cylindrical heaters. Through resistance heating, a uniform thermal field is provided to ensure that the preforms are heated evenly, thereby drawing optical fibers with uniform diameters and excellent optical performance. Secondly, molybdenum sheets, as heat insulation screen materials, can effectively reflect heat energy, reduce heat loss, and improve energy utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, the low coefficient of thermal expansion of molybdenum can prevent the screen from cracking due to sudden temperature changes and extend the service life of the equipment. In addition, molybdenum sheets can also be used as high-temperature resistant support structures. Their high strength and high creep resistance can withstand the gravity of preforms and the tension of wire drawing, ensuring the stability of the optical fiber drawing process. The chemical inertness of molybdenum can prevent it from reacting with quartz preforms, thus avoiding contamination of optical fiber materials.
The advantages and challenges of molybdenum Sheets in Optical fiber drawing furnaces
The application of molybdenum sheets in optical fiber drawing furnaces has significant advantages. The manufacturing of optical fibers must avoid metal contamination. Molybdenum does not react significantly with quartz glass at high temperatures and has an extremely low vapor pressure, so it will not contaminate the surface of the optical fiber due to evaporation. Under the protection of inert gases (such as argon), the dense oxide layer formed on the surface of the molybdenum sheet further enhances its corrosion resistance. However, molybdenum sheets also face some challenges: Firstly, molybdenum is prone to oxidation at high temperatures in an oxygen-containing environment, and it is necessary to strictly control oxygen or adopt coating protection (such as molybdenum silide). Secondly, high-purity molybdenum materials are relatively expensive, but the loss can be reduced through recycling. Furthermore, during repeated thermal cycles, molybdenum sheets may develop microcracks, and the structural design needs to be optimized to reduce stress concentration.
The future development trend of molybdenum sheets in optical fiber drawing furnaces
With the development of optical fibers towards ultra-low loss and large diameter, the performance improvement of molybdenum sheets has become crucial. The future development priorities include: developing molybdenum alloys (such as molybdenum-lanthanum alloys) to enhance high-temperature creep resistance; The reflection efficiency of the heat insulation screen is enhanced by adopting a composite structure (such as molybdenum-silicon carbide); By integrating intelligent temperature control technology, the accuracy and consistency of the wire drawing process are further enhanced. Through these improvements, molybdenum sheets are expected to play a greater role in optical fiber drawing furnaces and promote the further development of optical fiber manufacturing technology.
Mosten Alloy can produce molybdenum alloys sheet, molybdenum alloys block, molybdenum alloys foil, molybdenum alloys rod, molybdenum alloys wire, molybdenum processing workpiece according to customer demand.
