Tantalum Overview
Tantalum (Ta) is a refractory metal. Tantalum is quite soft compared to tungsten or even molybdenum. The density and melting point of tantalum lie between those of tungsten and molybdenum.
Tantalum is often used in capacitors or other electronic devices and is also used to alloy other metals. Its high corrosion resistance is useful in chemical reaction pipes and vessels such as vacuum furnaces and nuclear reactors, allowing corrosion-resistant properties at high temperatures while minimizing product contamination. Its high thermal conductivity is useful in equipment such as heat exchangers and distillation equipment.
We offer the following grades, to ASTM B708:
- R05200, unalloyed tantalum, electron-beam furnace or vacuum-arc melt, or both,
- R05400, unalloyed tantalum, powder-metallurgy consolidation,
- R05255, tantalum alloy, 90 % tantalum, 10 % tungsten, electron-beam furnace of vacuum-arc melt, or both,
- R05252, tantalum alloy, 97.5 % tantalum, 2.5 % tungsten, electron-beam furnace or vacuum-arc melt, or both, and
- R05240, tantalum alloy, 60 % tantalum, 40 % niobium, electron-beam furnace or vacuum-arc melt.
Tantalum Properties & Uses
Tantalum Advantages
Tantalum Advantages
- High density and melting point
- High corrosion resistance
- High thermal conductivity
Tantalum Applications
Tantalum Applications
- Capacitors or electronic devices
- Chemical reaction pipes
- Electrical contact points for engine distributors
- Nuclear reactors
- Heat exchangers
- Distillation equipment
Tantalum Properties
Tantalum Properties
| Atomic Number | 73 |
| Atomic Weight | 180.95 |
| Group Number | 5 |
| Electron Configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d3 6s2 |
| CAS Registry Number | 7440-25-7 |
| Wire Atomic Volume | 10.9 |
| Lattice Type | Body Centered Cube |
| Lattice Constant at 20oC, Angstroms | 3.3026 |
| Natural Isotopes | 181 |
| Density at 20oC (gm/cc) | 16.6 |
| Density at 20oC (lb./cu. in.) | 0.600 |
| Melting Point oC | 2996 |
| Boiling Point oC | 5430 |
| Linear Coefficient of Expansion per oC | 6.5 x 10-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity at 20oC (cal/cm/C/sec) | 0.130 |
| Specific Heat @ 20oC (cal/gram/C) | 0.036 |
| Electronegativity (eV) Pauling | 1.5 |
| Electronegativity (eV) Alfred Rochow | 1.33 |
| Electronegativity Conductivity, % IACS | 13 |
| Electrical Resistivity @ 20oC (microhm-cm) | 13.5 |
| Temperature Coefficient of Electrical Resistivity Per oC (0-100oC) | 0.0038 |
| Tensile Strength @ Room Temperature, psi | 40,000 - 48,000 annealed (typical); higher when cold worked |
| Elongation, annealed, % | 20 - 35 |
| ASTM B708 / B365 Minimum, annealed, psi | Tensile 25,000 - 30,000; yield 15,000 - 20,000 |
| Tensile Strength @ 500oC, psi | 25,000 - 45,000 |
| Tensile Strength @ 1000oC, psi | 13,000 - 17,000 |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.35 |
| Hardness (Mineral) | 6.5 |
| Hardness (Vickers) | 80 - 100 (annealed) |
| Total Emissivity @ 1500oC | 0.21 |
| Total Emissivity @ 2000oC | 0.26 |
| Working Temperature, oC | Room Temp |
| Recrystallization Temperature, oC | 1050 - 1500 |
Typical values from published producer data and ASTM standards; actual properties depend on product form, size and condition. Material certifications are available on request with purchase.
Custom Tantalum Solutions
While tungsten’s extreme hardness and high melting point make it notoriously difficult to machine, our experienced team specializes in taming this "unmachinable" metal. Using a combination of multi-axis CNC milling and advanced EDM drilling, we manufacture complex tungsten components to your exact prints with tolerances as tight as ±0.0005". Whether you need custom-sized raw materials or intricate finished parts, we deliver precision-engineered solutions with industry-leading speed.
Shop In-Stock Pure Tantalum Materials
Tantalum Resources
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