Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum (TZM)

High-Strength Alloy with High Creep Resistance

TZM is a molybdenum-based alloy with a high recrystallisation temperature, improved creep resistance and high thermal stability. With a melting point above 2600 °C and a modulus of elasticity around 320 kN/mm², it remains dimensionally stable under severe thermal and mechanical loads.

Titanium increases high-temperature strength, zirconium improves resistance to long-term deformation, and carbon stabilises the fine-grained microstructure. Together, these properties ensure precision under the harshest conditions.

Compared to pure molybdenum, TZM delivers superior performance in thermal environments where structural integrity must be maintained over time.

Composition of Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum

  • 22

    Titanium

    Ti

    0.5%

  • 40

    Zirconium

    Zr

    0.08%

  • 42

    Molybdenum

    Mo

    0.42%

Key Properties

  • High-Temperature Strength

    TZM retains its strength up to approximately 1400 °C. At 1300 °C its load capacity is roughly twice that of pure molybdenum. Titanium carbide (TiC) and zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) precipitates act as dislocation anchors and reduce grain boundary movement under thermal load.

  • Creep Resistance

    Under constant load, TZM resists deformation and holds shape over time. Fine carbides stabilise the microstructure and limit dislocation movement, significantly improving dimensional accuracy even under prolonged stress. This is crucial for components operating under high load with tight tolerances.

  • Dimensional Stability

    With a thermal conductivity of around 125 W/m·K and a thermal expansion coefficient of approximately 5.5 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, TZM resists thermal stress effectively. In high-temperature tools this leads to uniform temperature distribution and reduces the risk of cracking, distortion and fatigue under repeated thermal cycling.

  • Fracture Toughness

    The fine distribution of titanium carbide and zirconium oxide particles increases not only the strength but also the fracture toughness compared to pure molybdenum. Instead of brittle failure, TZM exhibits ductile fracture behaviour with plastic deformation prior to breakage. This makes it suitable for safety-critical applications where predictable material response under extreme conditions is required.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Property

Unit

Value

Tensile strength (Rm)

MPa

750–850

Elongation

%

6–10

Hardness (Vickers)

HBW (2.5/62.5)

230–250

Electrical conductivity

% IACS

≥ 22

Electrical conductivity

Sm/mm²

10–12

Density at 20 °C

g/cm³

10.2–10.3

Modulus of elasticity

kN/mm²

≥ 300

Thermal conductivity at 20 °C

W/(m·K)

120–130

Melting temperature (liquidus)

°C

≈2620

These figures represent minimum values, typical averages or defined tolerance ranges. If your application requires specific material characteristics such as defined thermal stability, increased mechanical strength or enhanced chemical resistance, we will develop a suitable variant in close cooperation with you. Get in touch to discuss your specifications.

Industrial Applications

Typical use cases for TZM in industrial environments

  • Aerospace

    Strength, thermal resistance and a lower density compared to many high-temperature alloys make TZM a good choice for structural parts, joints and thermally loaded components in propulsion systems.

  • Automotive

    Even at high temperatures, TZM remains its dimensional stability and mechanical strength. It is used in turbochargers, exhaust systems and engine internals where thermal reliability is critical beyond 1000 °C.

  • Energy Technology

    With its high melting point, stable creep behaviour and thermal conductivity, TZM is ideal for thermal shields, radiation plates, fixtures and encapsulated parts in systems exposed to combined thermal and mechanical stress.

  • Toolmaking

    In die casting, extrusion and hot forming, TZM ensures form stability and long tool life. Its hot strength, thermal conductivity and low expansion make it ideal for tools that operate under extreme process conditions.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of TZM rods involves several important steps to achieve the desired material properties.

  • 1
    Step 1

    Material preparation

    High-purity molybdenum powder is mixed with titanium and zirconium compounds. The exact composition is critical to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

  • 2
    Step 2

    Blending and pressing

    The selected materials are homogenised using powder metallurgy techniques to ensure uniform distribution of the alloying elements. The blended powder is then pressed into moulds to form the initial shape.

  • 3
    Step 3

    Sintering

    The pressed compacts are sintered at 1600 to 2000 °C in a protective atmosphere. The powder particles fuse into a dense, solid metal body.

  • 4
    Step 4

    Densification techniques

    To further improve density and mechanical strength, techniques such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP) may be applied. This process uses high pressure and temperature to eliminate residual porosity.

  • 5
    Step 5

    Forming and rolling

    After sintering, the TZM blocks or billets are further processed and rolled into rods. This enhances strength and improves mechanical properties.

  • 6
    Step 6

    Recrystallisation annealing

    Annealing is carried out at defined temperatures and durations to optimise the microstructure. This improves ductility and toughness.

  • 7
    Step 7

    Polishing and coating

    The rods are polished and coated by electroplating or chemical polishing to achieve a smooth and durable surface.

  • 8
    Step 8

    Quality control and inspection

    Throughout and after production, TZM rods undergo extensive quality testing. This includes chemical analysis to verify alloy composition, mechanical tests such as tensile and hardness measurements, and microscopic evaluation of the microstructure. These inspections ensure the material's reliability in demanding applications.

  • 9
    Step 9

    Packaging and shipping

    Finished TZM rods are packed using protective materials to prevent damage during transport.

The process ensures that TZM components meet the material requirements necessary for industrial use. These include high temperature resistance, creep strength, mechanical load capacity and good machinability.

Talk to Our Material Specialists

In close cooperation with you, we analyse your requirements, provide comprehensive guidance and find the solution that fits your process best.

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