Rhenium Tungsten and Pure Tungsten Anode in X-ray Tubes

The anode, also known as the anticathode, is a critical component within X-ray tubes responsible for generating X-rays. Typically shaped as a disk with a diameter ranging from 55 to 100 mm and a thickness of 7 mm, it is connected to the positive terminal of the electrical circuit. As electrons bombard the anode, it converts their energy into X-rays while dissipating heat as a byproduct.

Most anodes in X-ray tubes are crafted from tungsten, renowned for its high atomic number (Z=74), high melting point of 3370°C, and low rate of evaporation. This element’s efficiency in X-ray production surpasses that of materials with lower atomic numbers. Alloys containing tungsten and rhenium are employed because the addition of 5-10% rhenium prevents surface grazing of the anode surface. Molybdenum and graphite due to their lightweight nature and excellent heat retention are often used to compose the body of the anode.

In specific medical applications like mammography, molybdenum serves as a preferred target material due to its intermediate atomic number (Z=42), yielding x-rays suited for such purposes. Additionally, anodes constructed from rhenium (Z=45) are utilized in dense breast imaging, producing slightly higher energy x-rays for deeper penetration.

The anode disk rotates within the X-ray tube and is subjected to a focused beam of electrons emitted from the cathode. This beam, accelerated by a high potential difference between the cathode and anode, triggers interactions with the target material, resulting in the emission of X-rays. Anode angle, typically ranging from 12 to 15 degrees, influences the effective focal spot size, with smaller angles yielding smaller focal spots.

T&D is an ISO9001:2015 certified domestic supplier of Tungsten Carbide, Heavy Tungsten Alloy, Copper Tungsten, Tungsten, Molybdenum, Tantalum, and Niobium either semifinished blanks or as precision-machined parts. We can deliver your order machined to your specifications as per your drawings. Services available for prototyping and low-to-high volume production runs.

Modern equipment, low costs, and short lead times allow T&D Materials Manufacturing to provide its customers with quality products and excellent customer service. Our capabilities include direct pressing and MIM, CNC preforming, HIP sintering to assure consistently high strength, and fully automated CNC finishing to close tolerances and superior finishes.

T&D Materials Manufacturing is ITAR compliant and produces all products meeting industry standards of ISO, ASTM, ASM, MIL as well as custom grades.

Purchasing options include blanket orders, just-in-time delivery, and consignment materials. If you are looking for high-quality W/Mo/Ta/Nb/WC/WCu/Re products, contact us today at (484) 472-6863 or info@TDmfginc.com.