Why Special Alloys Are Different
Special alloys are specified for physical behaviour — controlled thermal expansion, magnetism, density or corrosion resistance — not just strength. They are hard to machine: they work-harden, abrade tooling, or are simply unfamiliar to general shops. That is exactly the work we built capability around.
Where an instant-quote platform declines the job, we quote it. CNC Machining · 5-Axis Machining
Alloys We Machine
| Alloy | Key property | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Kovar (4J29 / EN 1.3981) | Matched thermal expansion to glass/ceramic | Optical & semiconductor packages, hermetic seals |
| Invar (36Ni) | Very low thermal expansion | Metrology, optical mounts, stable structures |
| Tungsten heavy alloy | Very high density | Counterweights, shielding, balancing |
| Permalloy (80Ni) | High magnetic permeability | Magnetic shields, sensor cores |
| Hastelloy (C276) | Extreme corrosion resistance | Chemical, semiconductor fluid systems |
Machining Considerations
- Tool wear — tungsten and hardened alloys abrade tools; we plan tool life
- Work hardening — Kovar and Hastelloy need continuous cuts
- Thermal stability — Invar parts demand temperature-controlled measurement
- Grade verification — spectrometer confirms the alloy before machining
Quality, Inspection & Traceability
For equipment manufacturers, one failed component can stop a production line or compromise a field product. ProtoTech provides dimensional inspection, inspection reports, material certification and full traceability — so your quality team can qualify us for recurring production with confidence.
Our in-house metrology includes a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for full dimensional inspection and First Article Inspection (FAI), plus a benchtop material spectrometer that verifies incoming stock against the specified grade. Every shipment can be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 material certificates and lot-level traceability, backed by ISO 9001:2015 (AENOR).
Why ProtoTech — A Precision Partner, Not a CNC Shop
Hard Materials
Tungsten, Hastelloy, Kovar, Invar.
Differentiator
Work platforms decline; we quote it.
Grade Verification
Spectrometer confirms alloy.
Thermal Control
Invar measured at stable temp.
Traceability
EN 10204 3.1, lot-level.
EU Local Support
Engineering partner for European customers.
Related Industries
Technical Resources
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