Negative Thermal Expansion Alloys from ALLVAR are the only metals that shrink when heated and expand when cooled. This is known as negative coefficient of thermal expansion (Negative CTE). ALLVAR Alloys are a unique solution to many problems caused by thermal mismatch properties. Our products are commonly used in optics, precision control, automotive, and energy applications.
Our alloys exhibit negative coefficient of thermal expansion, which minimize the damaging effects that extreme temperatures have on critical components over time. The Negative CTE alloys offer engineers a way to control or counter thermal expansion to create athermal products. This allows the instrument to maintain tight specifications over a longer period of time.
Video Resources - Learn More About ALLVAR and Negative CTE
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ALLVAR University
Watch our videos to learn more about negative CTE and how it can be precisely compensate positive CTE components in athermal assemblies.
Demonstration Videos
Our demonstration videos show how important a washer can be, and how a simple change in Optics can eliminate thermal focus shift.
Meet Our Team
Meet our team, from our founder to our engineers, and hear their perspective on their new negative CTE alloys.
Watch a Webinar
Interested in a longer lesson on negative CTE and ALLVAR Alloys? Check out one of our available webinars to get the details.
ALLVAR Alloys are the only Negative Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Metals in the World.
We offer a number of negative thermal expansion solutions, from off-the-shelf to custom designs. Thermal mismatch solutions may be as simple as changing out a washer or spacer for one made with ALLVAR Alloys. This replacement can reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the component. Combustion engines and petroleum pump pipelines applications where cost savings can be seen through longer life and less maintenance.
Similarly, negative thermal expansion struts made from ALLVAR Alloys are nearly impervious to extreme temperature ranges. This means that sensitive optical instruments orbiting the earth will not lose their precise alignment over time due to repeated thermal cycling in extreme environments.
ALLVAR Alloys can also reduce the weight and size of an instrument simply by replacing a component. ALLVAR Alloys can eliminate thermal focal shift in athermal optical assemblies, providing size and weight reductions while potentially improving performance in varied temperatures. Replace a component in the re-entrant designed lens with a smaller one made of ALLVAR alloys. The lightweight alloy can increase tensile strength in some applications, such as in support struts for space telescopes.
ALLVAR Alloys are titanium alloys that can be machined into rods, struts or tubes and are also offered as constant force-load washers for fasteners in temperature variant environments. They are corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic and can be welded to Ti-6-4 and other ALLVAR components. Contact us today and learn more.
