Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Ta-2.5W
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) and Ta-2.5W are both refractory metal grades. Ta-2.5W is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%), about 158% more; tensile strength follows at 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 28% for Ta-2.5W, and Ta-2.5W is harder (115 HB vs 65 HB). Ta-2.5W is stiffer (200 GPa vs 186 GPa) and 5N Tantalum (99.999%) conducts electricity better (13.8 % IACS vs 9.9 % IACS). On the shop floor, Ta-2.5W welds better (very good vs good) and 5N Tantalum (99.999%) sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Ta-2.5W (specialty, $$$$$).
5N Tantalum (99.999%)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ta-2.5WChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Ta-2.5W: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
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
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
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 · 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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.05 V · Corrosion Resistance 97 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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%) | Ta-2.5W |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Vacuum Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Ta-2.5W — frequently asked
Is Ta-2.5W stronger than 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
Yes. Ta-2.5W has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%) — about 158% more. Tensile strength is 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) or Ta-2.5W?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Ta-2.5W is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) or Ta-2.5W?
5N Tantalum (99.999%), by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 18/100 for Ta-2.5W; for welding the order is Ta-2.5W first (very good, 80/100) then 5N Tantalum (99.999%) (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5N Tantalum (99.999%) and Ta-2.5W 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.