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Tantalum

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KOBO is a professional Metal processing company with more than 20 years of experience. Dedicated to strict quality control and attentive customer service, our experienced staff is always available to discuss your requirements and ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Advanced Equipment

KOBO is well equipped with Hi-tech equipments. We are fully equipped to supply a full range of refractory and reactive metals (titanium, niobium, tantalum, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, hafnium, zirconium,nickel etc) and their alloys, with unparalleled product support and customer service.

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Years of industry insight and global supply chain knowledge, ensure you receive premium quality materials, at competitive market rates. We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, making our products accessible to a wide range of customers.

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Tantalum Ingot
Material:Pure Tantalum, Ta Alloys
Grade:R05200 R05400 R05252 R05255 R05240
Standard:ASTM B365, ASTM F560
Sizes:Diameter 70-195 mm Length <=1600 mm
Density:16.6 g/cm3
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Tantalum Bar and Wire
Material:Pure Tantalum, Ta Alloys
Grade:R05200 R05400 R05252 R05255 R05240
Standard:ASTM B365, ASTM F560
Sizes:Diameter customized
Density:16.6 g/cm3
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Tantalum Tube
Material:Pure Tantalum, Ta Alloys
Grade:R05200 R05400 R05252 R05255 R05240
Standard:ASTM B365, ASTM F560
Sizes:Diameter customized
Density:16.6 g/cm3
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Tantalum Sheet
Material:Pure Tantalum, Ta Alloys
Grade:R05200, R05400
Standard:ASTM B708
Sizes:Customized
Density:16.6 g/cm3
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Tantalum Machining Parts
Material:Pure Tantalum, Ta Alloys
Grade:R05200 R05400
Standard:ASTM B521-98
Sizes:customized
Density:16.6 g/cm3
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Tantalum Powder
Material:Pure Tantalum, Ta Alloys
Color:Black
Morphology:Spherical
Particle Size:1-10μm 5-25μm, 15-45μm
Purity:>99.9%
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Definition of Tantalum

Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. Tantalum is found in minerals such as tantalite, columbite, and microlite. It is mostly used in electronic applications such as capacitors and smartphones. Tantalum has a relatively high melting point of about 3,017 degrees Celsius (5,463 degrees Fahrenheit), making it suitable for high-temperature applications. It is a dense metal, with a density of approximately 16.69 grams per cubic centimetre. Tantalum has a shiny, silvery appearance when freshly polished, but it can develop a patina over time.

Benefits of Tantalum

Tantalum is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, which is due to the formation of a thin and stable oxide layer on its surface. This oxide layer protects the metal from reactions with many corrosive substances, including acids and some harsh chemicals.

High strength and ductility

Tantalum alloys combine high strength with good ductility, allowing them to be easily shaped and formed into complex geometries. This combination of properties is beneficial in applications that require both strength and flexibility, such as aerospace components, surgical implants, and high-pressure equipment.

Radiation resistance

Tantalum alloys exhibit good resistance to radiation damage, making them suitable for use in radiation-exposed environments. This radiation resistance is advantageous in nuclear reactors, where materials need to withstand the rigors of radiation exposure without undergoing significant degradation.

Low thermal expansion coefficient

Tantalum alloys have a low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning they expand minimally when heated. This property is beneficial in applications where dimensional stability is crucial, such as precision instrumentation and high-temperature components. The low thermal expansion coefficient helps maintain the accuracy and performance of the material even under thermal stress.

High chemical inertness

Tantalum alloys are chemically inert, meaning they do not easily react with other elements or compounds. This chemical inertness makes them suitable for use in chemical processing equipment, where exposure to harsh chemicals is common. The chemical inertness of tantalum alloys helps prevent corrosion and degradation, ensuring longer service life.

What Are the Properties of Tantalum?

The name tantalum was derived from the name of the mythological Titan, TANTalus. The word tantalum comes from the Greek words "tanatos", meaning death, and "alanos", meaning thistle.

Tantalum has a density of 16.69 grams per cubic centimeter, making it one of the densest naturally occurring elements.

Tantalum is found in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Russia, and the United States. The major producers of tantalum are Australia (40%), Brazil (37%), Rwanda (9%), China (5%), and Nigeria (5%).

Applications of Tantalum

● It finds its applications in the field of high-temperature devices such as in the engines of aircraft.
● It is used mainly as an alloying medium as it is helpful for hardening metals.
● It is employed in the manufacture of capacitors.
● It has a high number of medical as well as dental applications.
● It is utilised in the chemical industries as it exhibits the properties of resistance to corrosion.

Is Tantalum the Rarest Metal?

Here we'll discuss a few actual rare metals, present in the earth in miniscule amounts but which have important applications nonetheless. The rarest stable metal is tantalum. The rarest metal on earth is actually francium, but because this unstable element has a half life of a mere 22 minutes, it has no practical use.

Tantalum, on the other hand, is used to make capacitors in electronic equipment such as mobile phones, DVD players, video game systems, and computers. It's also used to make surgical equipment and artificial joints. Tantalum is easily fabricated, corrosion resistant, and a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Tantalum's Enduring Allure in Modern Jewellery

In a world where jewellery materials often follow traditional paths, tantalum brings a breath of fresh air to the industry. Its modern elegance, combined with its exceptional properties, positions it as a metal that's both relevant and timeless. Tantalum jewellery is not just an accessory; it's a statement of innovation and a celebration of the unique allure that only tantalum can provide.

Whether you're seeking a tantalum ring, bracelet, necklace, or other adornments, you're choosing a material that embodies sophistication, durability, and a touch of mystery. Tantalum's place in the world of jewellery making is a testament to its enduring charm.

Tantalum, a metal that's been hidden in the shadows for far too long, has stepped into the limelight of jewellery making. Its unmatched properties, from corrosion resistance to stunning elegance, make it a material that's deserving of attention. As you explore tantalum jewellery, you're embarking on a journey into a world where innovation meets tradition, and where a rare metal adds a touch of brilliance to every piece it graces.

How Many Types of Tantalum Powder out There?

According to its use, tantalum powder can generally be divided into capacitor grade tantalum powder and metallurgical grade tantalum powder.

1. Properties & applications of capacitor grade tantalum powder
Capacitor-grade tantalum powder is generally divided into three series: Low-voltage series (working voltage not greater than 25v), medium-voltage series (working voltage is 32-40v), and high-voltage series (working voltage is not less than 50v).
Capacitor-grade tantalum powder is used to manufacture tantalum capacitor cores. Its quality is mainly determined by its physical properties, chemical composition, and electrical properties.
(1) Physical properties.
The physical properties mainly include average particle size, particle shape, fluidity, and forming density. Low-voltage series products should have a small average particle size, complex particle shape, and low forming density, while high-voltage series products should have a larger average particle size, simple particle shape, and higher forming density.
The fluidity determines whether the tantalum powder can be formed by an automatic forming machine. Therefore, with the rapid increase in the production of small chip tantalum capacitors, people have paid great attention to the fluidity of tantalum powder.
(2) Chemical composition.
The chemical composition has a direct effect on the electrical properties of tantalum powder. High impurity content, especially high phosphorus, boron, oxygen, carbon, potassium, sodium, and iron content, will increase the leakage current and decrease the breakdown voltage of the tantalum anodic oxide film, thereby deteriorating the electrical properties of the tantalum powder.
However, the content of certain elements in tantalum powder is not as low as possible. It was found that the incorporation of certain selected elements can improve certain electrical properties of tantalum powder. The practice has proved that adding a small amount of phosphide to the tantalum powder can inhibit the shrinkage of the tantalum block during sintering, thereby increasing the weight-specific capacitance of the tantalum powder, and incorporating a small amount of aluminide with high dielectric strength can increase the breakdown voltage of tantalum powder.
(3) Electrical properties.
Electrical properties refer to the dc leakage current, breakdown voltage, and capacitance of the tantalum anode block after the tantalum powder is weighed, compacted, vacuum sintered, and anodized. All these properties are not only determined by the intrinsic properties of the amorphous tantalum pentoxide anodic oxide film but also closely related to the physical properties and chemical composition of the tantalum powder.

2. Properties & applications of metallurgical grade tantalum powder
Metallurgical grade tantalum powder is used to prepare various tantalum materials or tantalum powder as alloy additives, so its quality is mainly measured by its physical properties and chemical composition. The particle size as an important physical performance index is better to pass a 150-mesh standard sieve and the bulk density is preferably 3-6g/cm3. In order to avoid the loss of chemical composition during vacuum sintering and melting, the oxygen content should be controlled at about 0.2%. Since tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, and other high melting point metals cannot be removed in the vacuum melting process, their content should be strictly controlled.

What You Should Know About Tantalum

What are the dangers of tantalum?
Tantalum is a valuable resource due to its unique properties, however, it is also associated with a number of environmental and health concerns.
Tantalum is used in the production of electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and gaming consoles. Due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion, tantalum is also used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
However, tantalum mining is often linked with human rights abuses, as it is frequently sourced from conflict zones such as the democratic republic of congo. Furthermore, the extraction and processing of tantalum can result in environmental contamination.
Health concerns have also been raised regarding exposure to tantalum. Studies have shown that tantalum dust can cause respiratory problems, while exposure to tantalum compounds has been linked to cancer.

How can I avoid exposure to tantalum?
Tantalum is a silvery-gray metal that is found in the mineral tantalite. It is extremely hard and has a high melting point, making it difficult to work with. When exposed to air, it oxidizes quickly, making it difficult to solder. It is often used in electronics because of its ability to resist corrosion.
There are a few ways you can avoid exposure to tantalum:
● Wear gloves when handling the metal or working with products that contain it.
● Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
● Do not breathe in dust particles generated from grinding or machining tantalum products.

Physical Properties of Tantalum

Property	Definition	Units	Importance
Color	Lustrous blue/gray	-	-
Density	Mass per unit volume	16.69 g/cm³	Moderate
Melting point	Liquefaction temperature	2,996 to 3,017 °C	High
Tensile strength	Loading at failure	170–300 MPa	High
Yield strength	Loading at 0.2% extension (typical)	100–200 MPa	High
Hardness	Resistance to the diamond indenter	90–120 Vickers	-
Ductility	Ability to undergo plastic deformation without fracture	Moderate	High
Resistivity	Resistance typical level	1.3x10^-7 mΩ	Moderate
Biocompatibility	Chemical and electrochemical effects on living tissues	-	High

Our Factory

KOBO is well equipped with Hi-tech equipments, among them one is VAR(Vacuum Arc Remelt) melting furnace, a standard in industry, can allow multiple melting, it is economical to produce titanium which is for Industrial, Medical, Racing and Aerospace applications.

Another is EB( Electron Beam) melting furnace,Electron beam melting is distinguished by its superior refining capacity. Thus it is ideal for remelting and refining of metals and alloys under high vacuum in water cooled, ceramic free copper molds. It also plays an important role in manufacturing of high-pure sputtering target materials and alloys for the electronic industry.

We are fully equipped to supply a full range of refractory and reactive metals (titanium, niobium, tantalum, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, hafnium, zirconium,nickel etc) and their alloys. Our goal is to be a global metal resource solver.

Advanced Equipment

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Ultimate FAQ Guide to Tantalum

Q: What is so special about tantalum?

A: Tantalum is a hypoallergenic metal. It is extremely crack resistant (unlike tungsten) and will not react after exposure to everyday chemicals, such as household cleaners. Tantalum is also moderately scratch resistant. If a tantalum ring is scratched, it can be polished back to its original luster. Unlike many of the other alternative metal rings, tantalum rings can be resized if necessary. This is a huge benefit! Most alternative metal rings cannot be sized. For example, if you have a titanium wedding band and your finger changes size over the years, your band will need to be replaced.

Q: Does tantalum break easily?

A: Tantalum is a hard, dense metal that is very durable in wear. Tantalum rings have similar characteristics to platinum, although a little darker in colour, although it is more durable and scratch resistant than platinum. Tantalum rings will not tarnish or break and can be re-polished to remove any scratches.

Q: Is tantalum better than tungsten?

A: Tantalum is a versatile material for rings, with plenty of benefits: Scratch resistant (slightly less scratch-resistant than Tungsten) and any minor scratching that occurs can usually be polished off by a jeweller. More dense and heavy than Tungsten and Gold. Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale (compared with 9 for Tungsten).

Q: Is tantalum stronger than titanium?

A: Titanium is a fairly abundant and versatile metal used in jewelry because it's lightweight, stylish, and durable. But what is stronger: titanium or tantalum? Both are quite resistant to scratches — tantalum is only slightly more scratch-resistant — and won't dent easily, so their strength is comparable.

Q: Is tantalum Magnetic?

A: Due to its high density, shaped charge and explosively formed penetrator liners have been constructed from tantalum. Tantalum greatly increases the armor penetration capabilities of a shaped charge due to its high density and high melting point. Tantalum is also highly bio-inert and is used as an orthopedic material making it useful for prosthetic hip implants. Because tantalum is non-magnetic, these implants are considered to be acceptable for patients undergoing MRI procedures.

Q: Is tantalum stronger than gold?

A: The durability and hardness of tantalum are remarkable. It is highly scratch-resistant, ranking below diamond but above other metals like gold and silver on the Mohs scale of hardness. This ensures your tantalum ring can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining its finish.

Q: How hot can tantalum get?

A: Tantalum is dark (blue-gray), dense, ductile, very hard, easily fabricated, and highly conductive of heat and electricity. The metal is highly resistant to corrosion by acids: at temperatures below 150 °C tantalum is almost completely immune to attack by the normally aggressive aqua regia. Tantalum's high melting point of 3017 °C (boiling point 5458 °C) is exceeded among the elements only by tungsten, rhenium and osmium for metals, and carbon.

Q: Is tantalum stronger than platinum?

A: This means that tantalum can handle wear and tear better than platinum. Like tantalum, platinum is also hypoallergenic. However, the price point of tantalum over platinum makes it a more desirable choice.

Q: What is the nuclear symbol for tantalum?

A: Tantalum is a chemical element with symbol Ta and atomic number 73. Classified as a transition metal, tantalum is a solid at room temperature.

Q: What is mean by tantalum?

A: Tantalum is a chemical element; it has symbol Ta and atomic number 73. Previously known as tantalium, it is named after Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology. Tantalum is a very hard, ductile, lustrous, blue-gray transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant.

Q: What is tantalum commonly used for?

A: It has a high melting point and is frequently used as a substitute for platinum, which is more expensive. Tantalum is used to make components for chemical plants, nuclear power plants, airplanes and missiles. Tantalum does not react with bodily fluids and is used to make surgical equipment.

Q: What is tantalum used for in everyday life?

A: One of the main uses of tantalum is in the production of electronic components. An oxide layer which forms on the surface of tantalum can act as an insulating (dielectric) layer. Because tantalum can be used to coat other metals with a very thin layer, a high capacitance can be achieved in a small volume.

Q: Why is tantalum so valuable?

A: Tantalum is an element that is crucial for technology. Its primary use is as a capacitor or resistor in a variety of electronic equipment, such as computers, cell phones, and medical devices. Tantalum is also used as a metal alloy to improve strength, ductility, and to increase corrosion and heat resistance. Such alloys are used in jet engines, nuclear reactors, and aerospace technology. Its non-reactive nature also makes tantalum ideal for medical implants.

Q: Is tantalum Magnetic?

A: Tantalum is also highly bio-inert and is used as an orthopedic material making it useful for prosthetic hip implants. Because tantalum is non-magnetic, these implants are considered to be acceptable for patients undergoing MRI procedures.

Q: Is tantalum Radioactive?

A: All isotopes and nuclear isomers of tantalum are either radioactive or observationally stable, meaning that they are predicted to be radioactive but no actual decay has been observed. Tantalum has been proposed as a "salting" material for nuclear weapons (cobalt is another, better-known salting material).

Q: Is tantalum jewelry safe?

A: Tantalum is a very rare blue-gray metal. Its deep, masculine color makes it a popular choice for men’s wedding bands. Tantalum is hypoallergenic, so it's a great option for someone with metal allergies or sensitive skin. With a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, it is very scratch-resistant. Tantalum wedding bands are ideal for those with an active lifestyle since they are extremely durable.

Q: Is tantalum shiny or dull?

A: While it's extremely popular in the world of electronics, tantalum has recently become well-known for its use in the world of men's jewelry and rings. Why? Because it's a dense, shiny metal that has a high melting point and is extremely resistant to both heat and natural damage.

Q: Can tantalum explode?

A: Tantalum Dust is Combustible and is an Explosion Hazard: Tantalum, as powder, is to be shipped and stored in airtight containers. In industrial use, dry tantalum powder or granules may spontaneously ignite on contact with air, and must not be around open flames, sparks, or smoking.

Q: Do tantalum capacitors explode?

A: The downside to using tantalum capacitors is their unfavorable failure mode which may lead to thermal runaway, fires and small explosions, but this can be prevented through the use of external failsafe devices such as current limiters or thermal fuses.

Q: What family does tantalum belong to?

A: Tantalum is a chemical element; it has symbol Ta and atomic number 73. Previously known as tantalium, it is named after Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology. It is part of the refractory metals group, which are widely used as components of strong high-melting-point alloys.

As one of the leading tantalum suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy high-grade tantalum in stock here from our factory. All our products are with high quality and low price. Contact us for quotation.

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