Tantalum is a refractory metal that was discovered in 1802 and is number 73 on the periodic table. It can be cold formed in both the grain and cross-grain direction. The metal is closely related to Niobium. Tantalum and its alloys are halfway between Tungsten and Molybdenum in density and melting points. The thermal conductivity of Tantalum is one-fourth that of Molybdenum and its coefficient of expansion is one-third greater. In contrast, its elevated temperature strength is low compared with Tungsten and Molybdenum.
Tantalum’s corrosion resistance is remarkably good in most commercial combinations of acids. It can be fabricated by bending, roll forming and welding with relative ease.
Tantalum’s ductility, density, and good thermal conductivity have made it popular. It is used is in the manufacture of heating elements, vacuum tubes, and other high-temperature parts.
Another major use of Tantalum is for electronic components and due to its absorption properties, it is an excellent getter of residual gasses in evacuation tubes. Tantalum films provide very high capacitance per volume allowing miniaturization of electronics and circuitry. Tantalum capacitors are used in computers and cellular phones.
Tantalum is also famous for its resistance to corrosion by acids, In fact, below 150 C, it is almost completely immune to corrosion by aqua regia. Due to its resistance to attack by body fluids, Tantalum is an excellent material for medical devices.
Tantalum Product Forms and Sizes
Ed Fagan supplies Tantalum rods and sheet in a variety of sizes. Below are some of the standard stock items. If you require other forms, please call our experienced sales team for assistance.
We can cut, slit, shear, or centerless grind Tantalum to your exact specifications, and we also have tremendous versatility when it comes to custom sizes, packages, and unusual materials.
Tantalum Rod — .010″ – 2.0″
Tantalum Sheet — .005″ – .125″
ED FAGAN INC. supplies the highest quality special purpose metals and alloys for Aerospace/Aviation, Defense, Electronics, Magnetic, Medical, Lighting, Optical, Telecommunications, Ceramics, Heat Treating, and other high-technology industries.