Refractory Metal FS-85 vs Pure Ta
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal FS-85 and Pure Ta are both refractory metal grades. FS-85 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for Pure Ta, about 182% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, Pure Ta is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 22% for FS-85, and FS-85 is harder (208 HB vs 95 HB). FS-85 is lighter (10.6 g/cm³ vs 16.6 g/cm³ for Pure Ta) and Pure Ta is stiffer (186 GPa vs 138 GPa). On the shop floor, FS-85 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Pure Ta (specialty, $$$$$).
FS-85Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Pure TaChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FS-85 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.
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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Latent Heat of Fusion
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.1 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 20% · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 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 | FS-85 | Pure Ta |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Vacuum Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
FS-85 vs Pure Ta — frequently asked
Is FS-85 stronger than Pure Ta?
Yes. FS-85 has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for Pure Ta — about 182% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, FS-85 or Pure Ta?
FS-85 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Pure Ta is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose FS-85 over Pure Ta?
Pick FS-85 when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint. Pick Pure Ta when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FS-85 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.