Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Pure Ta
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) and Pure Ta are both refractory metal grades. Pure Ta is the stronger of the two: yield strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%), about 42% more; tensile strength follows at 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 38% for Pure Ta, and Pure Ta is harder (95 HB vs 65 HB). On the shop floor, Pure Ta welds better (very good vs good) and 5N Tantalum (99.999%) sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Pure Ta (specialty, $$$$$).
5N Tantalum (99.999%)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Pure TaChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Pure Ta: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all refractory metal grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all refractory metal grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 186 GPa27 Msi · Shear Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Bulk Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 140 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 6.5 µm/m·K3.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 202 J/g86.8 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 97 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 11.2 MN·m/kg
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every refractory metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 5N Tantalum (99.999%) | Pure Ta |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Vacuum Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Pure Ta — frequently asked
Is Pure Ta stronger than 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
Yes. Pure Ta has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%) — about 42% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) or Pure Ta?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Pure Ta is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) or Pure Ta?
Pure Ta. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (60/100) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5N Tantalum (99.999%) and Pure Ta side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.