Platinum-rhodium wire for sale spectrometer

Platinum-rhodium (Pt-Rh) wire is available in various compositions and diameters for high-temperature thermocouples and precision laboratory applications, including spectrometers.

Overview of Platinum-

Rhodium WirePlatinum-rhodium wire is a noble metal alloy combining platinum and rhodium, offering exceptional thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and mechanical strength at elevated temperatures. It is commonly used in thermocouples (Types R, S, and B), industrial furnaces, laboratory sensors, and spectrometer components where precise temperature measurement is critical. The wire is suitable for oxidizing and inert atmospheres, and short-term use in vacuum, but should not be used in reducing atmospheres or in contact with metallic/non-metallic vapors unless protected.

Common Compositions and Thermocouple Types

Type B: Platinum 70% / Rhodium 30% paired with Platinum 94% / Rhodium 6%, usable up to 1800°C (3272°F) continuously. Type R: Platinum 87% / Rhodium 13% paired with pure platinum, usable up to 1600°C (2912°F),. Type S: Platinum 90% / Rhodium 10% paired with pure platinum, also up to 1600°C (2912°F),.

These wires are available in custom diameters from 0. 001 to 0. 032 inches (0.

025 to 0. 812 mm), and can be supplied in matched pairs to meet thermocouple accuracy standards.

Applications in Spectrometers

In spectrometer setups, Pt-Rh wire is often used for high-temperature sample holders, electrodes, or thermocouple sensors to ensure precise temperature control. Its resistance to oxidation and corrosion makes it ideal for long-term, high-precision measurements in analytical instruments, including atomic absorption spectrometers and high-temperature emission spectroscopy.

Suppliers and Customization

Several suppliers offer platinum-rhodium wire suitable for laboratory and industrial use: Surepure Chemetals: Offers Pt-Rh wire conforming to ASTM E1159, suitable for Type B, R, and S thermocouples. Princeton Powder: Provides Pt-Rh wire in Type S, R, and B, with customizable diameters and lengths for high-temperature applications. Heeger Metal: Supplies Pt-Rh wire in PtRh5, PtRh10, PtRh15, PtRh20, and PtRh30, with options for soft or semi-hardened wire, remelting, and diameter adjustment.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM): Offers high-quality Pt-Rh thermocouple wire with matched pairs and special limits-of-error options. These suppliers can provide customized wire lengths, diameters, and alloy compositions to meet specific spectrometer or laboratory requirements.

Key Considerations

Choose the thermocouple type based on the maximum operating temperature and environment. Ensure wire diameter matches the sensor or spectrometer design for accurate readings. For high-precision applications, request matched pairs and consider special limits-of-error wire.

Avoid direct exposure to reducing atmospheres or metallic vapors without protective tubes. Platinum-rhodium wire is a premium material for high-temperature, high-precision applications, making it ideal for thermocouples, spectrometer components, and laboratory sensors.