High-precision zirconium rod for Swiss-type lathes

Zirconium alloy rods are solid alloy rods formed by adding elements such as tin, niobium, and iron to zirconium (Zr) as the matrix. They have four core characteristics: low neutron absorption, strong corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and high toughness. They are key materials in nuclear energy, chemical industry, medical and other fields.

1. Core Grades and Composition

Zr702 (R60702, Industrial Pure Zirconium): Zr≥99.2%, Hf≤4.5%, excellent corrosion resistance, used in chemical/medical applications.

Zr705 (R60705, Zirconium-Niobium Alloy): Zr≈95.5%, Nb≈2.5%, higher strength, suitable for nuclear industry/high-end chemical industry.

Zr-4 (Zrconium-Tin Alloy, Nuclear Grade): Sn≈1.5%, Fe/Cr≈0.2%, specifically for reactor fuel cladding.

2. Key Performance

Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to boiling hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid, and strong alkalis; corrosion rate <0.01mm/a, superior to titanium and stainless steel.

Nuclear Performance: Thermal neutron absorption cross-section is only 0.18–0.24 barn, far lower than stainless steel (≈3 barn), resulting in good neutron economy.

Mechanical properties: Tensile strength at room temperature ≥413MPa, elongation ≥20%; maintains stable strength at 350℃.

Processing and welding: Cold rolled/forged/machined; excellent TIG welding performance; vacuum/argon protection for oxidation prevention.

II. Main Application Areas

1. Nuclear Industry (Core Area)

Fuel Cladding Tubes: Zr-4 alloy rods are processed into cladding tubes to encase uranium pellets for use in pressurized water reactors/boiling water reactors, such as the "Hualong One".

In-reactor Structural Components: Control rod guide tubes, grids, pressure tubes, resistant to corrosion from high-temperature and high-pressure water at 300–350℃ and 15–18MPa.

Spent Fuel Storage Racks: Resistant to radiation embrittlement, designed life ≥40 years, used for nuclear power plant waste storage.

2. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries (Highly Corrosive Environments)

Acetic Acid/Acetic Anhydride Units: Reactor stirring shafts, towers, heat exchangers, piping, resistant to high-temperature media containing HI/CH₃I.

Strong Acid/Strong Alkali Equipment: Sulfuric acid/hydrochloric acid reactors, caustic soda evaporators, pump valve cores, replacing duplex steel/titanium materials, increasing lifespan by 3–5 times.

Fine Chemicals: Corrosion-resistant supports and connectors for pesticide intermediates and dye production.

3. Medical Devices (Biocompatibility)
Orthopedic Implants: Artificial joint stems, fracture fixation screws/plates; elastic modulus close to bone, no rejection, long-term implantability.

Dental Restoration: Implant abutments, crown frameworks; resistant to oral corrosion, good biocompatibility with bone tissue.

Surgical Instruments: High-precision forceps, hemostatic forceps; no risk of nickel sensitization, suitable for minimally invasive procedures.

4. Aerospace and High-End Manufacturing
Engine Components: Combustion chamber supports, turbine blade tenons; high temperature resistance (≤400℃), low density, weight reduction and efficiency improvement.

Aerospace Structures: Spacecraft fuel pipelines, valves, high-temperature fasteners; resistant to space radiation and alternating temperature changes.

Electronics and Energy: Semiconductor sputtering targets, vacuum furnace heating elements, lithium battery current collectors; highly conductive and corrosion-resistant.

Quality Control and Testing

Each product undergoes rigorous inspection before shipment:

Dimensional Inspection: Precise measurement of thickness, length, and width

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Property Analysis: Third-party testing reports

Surface Inspection: Visual and microscopic inspection for defects

Ultrasonic Testing: Detection of internal defects

Why Choose Us

Technology and Quality: Located in Baoji, China's Titanium Valley, we possess professional production technology and extensive experience in non-ferrous metal manufacturing.

Global Coverage: We provide consistently high-quality products to customers in Australia, South Korea, Germany, the USA, the UK, Malaysia, and the Middle East.

Quality Commitment: We never compromise on quality and are responsible for every product we manufacture.

Technical Support: We have professional personnel overseeing the entire process from raw materials to finished products!

Product shipping and packaging：

Contact Us

Our team is dedicated to serving you and hopes that every product you purchase will meet your expectations!

Email: lucky@bjfreelong.com

WhatsApp: +86 13335371763

Please contact us for detailed quotations and technical specifications. We look forward to becoming your trusted high-end titanium materials partner.