There is a constantly increasing need for metallic materials with melting points over 1700degreesC for use at very high temperatures. In contrast to the refractory metals: tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum and rhenium, which also have very high melting points, the platinum materials are characterised by outstanding chemical stability, oxidation resistance and resistance to many molten oxides. Apart from the solid solution hardened alloys, dispersion strengthened platinum materials have also been well-known for a long time. However, these dispersion strengthened platinum materials show considerable problems during the manufacturing process. This paper reports on a new class of oxide dispersion hardened platinum materials (Pt DPH materials). These materials, manufactured by Heraeus, have been the subject of a detailed programme of laboratory investigations and industrial tests. By means of the development of these materials, it is now possible to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above. After a short introduction describing the manufacture and structure of the new DPH materials the report gives comprehensive results on the laboratory and industrial tests. The results of stress-rupture tests and creep tests confirm that the novel DPH materials display high temperature strength, low creep rate and simultaneously very good ductility. The Pt DPH materials also show excellent properties even after welding and corrosion exposure in aggressive glass melts.