Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Ta-40Nb
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) and Ta-40Nb are both refractory metal grades. Ta-40Nb is the stronger of the two: yield strength 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%), about 83% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 27% for Ta-40Nb, and Ta-40Nb is harder (125 HB vs 65 HB). Ta-40Nb is lighter (12.1 g/cm³ vs 16.65 g/cm³ for 5N Tantalum (99.999%)) and 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is stiffer (186 GPa vs 138 GPa). On the shop floor, Ta-40Nb welds better (excellent vs good).
5N Tantalum (99.999%)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ta-40NbChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Ta-40Nb: 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
Bulk 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
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: 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)
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-40Nb |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
5N Tantalum (99.999%) vs Ta-40Nb — frequently asked
Is Ta-40Nb stronger than 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
Yes. Ta-40Nb has a typical yield strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) for 5N Tantalum (99.999%) — about 83% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) or Ta-40Nb?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 5N Tantalum (99.999%) or Ta-40Nb?
Ta-40Nb. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) 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 Ta-40Nb 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.