Both molybdenum and tungsten are common refractory metal choices for furnace components, but they serve different niches based on temperature range and cost considerations.
Temperature Range
Tungsten's melting point of 3422°C exceeds molybdenum's 2623°C, making it the choice for the most extreme ultra-high-temperature applications above 2000°C.
Machinability and Cost
Molybdenum is significantly easier to machine and fabricate than tungsten, and typically costs less — making it the practical choice for the majority of vacuum, sintering, and brazing furnace applications below 1900°C.
Our Recommendation
Unless your process genuinely requires temperatures above molybdenum's practical operating range, molybdenum components offer the better balance of performance and cost.
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Our engineering team can advise on material selection and specifications for your furnace.