Glossary

Master alloy

Master alloy

A master alloy is a pre-alloyed metal mixture used as an intermediate material in the production and refinement of metals. It is specifically engineered to introduce controlled amounts of alloying elements into a melt, allowing manufacturers to adjust the composition and properties of the final metal product with precision.

Master alloys are not typically used as finished materials themselves but serve as functional additives in melting and casting processes. Their purpose is to improve workability, enhance mechanical or physical properties, or modify microstructure during solidification.

Key characteristics

  • Precise alloying – Delivers exact concentrations of alloying elements
  • Improved homogenization – Promotes uniform distribution in the melt
  • Enhanced process control – Reduces segregation, shrinkage, and other metallurgical defects
  • Available in multiple formats – Ingots, granules, powders, tablets, rods, or wires

Typical alloying elements

  • Aluminium master alloys – e.g. AlTi, AlSr, AlMn, used in foundry applications
  • Copper-based master alloys – e.g. CuFe, CuSn, CuZn, for brasses and bronzes
  • Nickel- or cobalt-based master alloys – For superalloy production
  • Titanium and rare-earth master alloys – For specialized performance in aerospace or electronics

Applications

  • Casting and foundry industries – For precise alloy modification in aluminium, copper, or magnesium melts
  • Metallurgical processing – In primary and secondary metal refining
  • Aerospace and automotive sectors – Where performance-critical alloying is required
  • Additive manufacturing / powder metallurgy – When controlled microstructure or special properties are needed
  • Electronics and high-tech materials – For fine alloying of conductors or magnetic materials

You will find all our alloys in our alloy finder

Berkenhoff GmbH (headquarters)

  • Kinzenbach plant
  • Berkenhoffstrasse 14
  • 35452 Heuchelheim
  • Germany

Berkenhoff GmbH

  • Merkenbach plant
  • Rehmühle 1
  • 35745 Herborn
  • Germany

bedra Vietnam Alloy Material Co., Ltd

  • Lot CN-06, Hoa Phu Industrial Park,
    Mai Dinh Commune,
    Hiep Hoa District, Bắc Ninh Province,
    Vietnam
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