TANTALUM

Tantalum is a refractory metal, falling within tungsten as well as molybdenum in terms of melting point (5425 F). Tantalum is well known for its unmatched corrosion resistance and chemical inertness.

Tantalum is additionally to a great degree stable at high temperatures, since tantalum has a melting point around 3000°C. High temperature applications require vacuum or inert gas since tantalum may embrittle when utilized as part in oxygen rich environments above 250°C. It is widely available in EB cast and powder metallurgy mill forms. Tantalum has a similar corrosion resistance to that of glass, but all of the typical mechanical and electrical properties of a metal. Tantalum is also one of the most bio-compatible metals available and it is also radio-opaque.

• Most corrosive resistant metal
• Excellent material of choice for the fabrication

Electronic and metallurgical these are the two major categories. The electronics industry is the largest single user, where it is utilized in capacitors, filaments and various other high temperature components. Tantalum is utilized for producing a variety of alloys that have high melting points, strength and ductility. The chemical process equipment industry regularly utilizes tantalum in heat exchangers, heaters, vessels, etc. Some time it also used in precious watches e.g. from Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Montblanc, Omega and Panerai.

Tantalum has a tendency to gall, fundamentally the sameto pure copper.This can cause welding of tooling to the workpiece if appropriate process is not followed. Heavy roughing cuts with M2 high speed or C2 carbide tooling is recommended. High speed tooling with generous lubricant flooding is recommended to minimize galling. Recommended speeds are 40-60 fpm.

Fusion and resistance welded done successfully by Tantalum. Under water resistance welding should be performed. When the material to be joined is absolutely clean, then fusion welding is done successfully.

With completely annealed material, punching, spinning, deep drawing and blanking can be effectively performed. The material has a relatively low work hardening rate.

Re-crystallization occurs in tantalum within 2000 and 2500 F. A high vacuum furnace is strongly recommended.

Tantalum is not heat treatable.

Forge at 2200 down to 1500 F.

Tantalum can only he hardened with the help of cold work.