Molybdenum is a hard and brittle material. The most important properties include a high melting point and low vapor pressure. At the same time, it has a high density and rigidity as well as good thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion. Molybdenum is considered to be very resistant to most acids and alkalis. The properties are comparable to tungsten, which makes the areas of application similar.

Molybdenum electrodes are used for welding processes, e.g. in resistance welding, especially when materials such as copper, bronze or brass are to be welded.

TZM (titanium-zirconium-molybdenum) is made from molybdenum by adding small amounts of small carbides. TZM is used with high mechanical loads combined with high current densities. Compared to pure molybdenum, TZM is stronger and has a higher recrystallization temperature and a higher creep resistance. In welding technology, TZM is used specifically like molybdenum and tungsten as an electrode material for welding non-ferrous metals.