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Refractory Metal FS-85 vs Ta-10W

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal FS-85 and Ta-10W are both refractory metal grades. Ta-10W is the stronger of the two: yield strength 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for FS-85, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi). Ta-10W is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for FS-85, and Ta-10W is harder (225 HB vs 208 HB). FS-85 is lighter (10.6 g/cm³ vs 16.8 g/cm³ for Ta-10W) and Ta-10W is stiffer (205 GPa vs 138 GPa).

FS-85Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.

Ta-10WChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

FS-85 vs Ta-10W: properties

FS-85Ta-10W

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

138 GPa20 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

51 GPa7.4 Msi
78 GPa11.3 Msi

Bulk Modulus

155 GPa22.5 Msi
200 GPa29 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.35
0.33

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

585 MPa84.8 ksi
690 MPa100 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

480 MPa69.6 ksi
550 MPa79.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
25%

Compressive Strength

490 MPa71.1 ksi
—

Shear Strength

350 MPa50.8 ksi
415 MPa60.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

40 J29.5 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

208 HB
225 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

96 HRB
97 HRB

Hardness, Rockwell C

18 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

220 HV
240 HV

Same in both: Reduction in Area 60%

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

10.6 g/cm³0.38 lb/in³
16.8 g/cm³0.61 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

2,590°C4,694 °F
3,030°C5,486 °F

Liquidus Temperature

2,620°C4,748 °F
3,080°C5,576 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

40 W/m·K23.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

215 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
145 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

7 µm/m·K3.9 µin/in·°F
6.5 µm/m·K3.6 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,500°C2,732 °F
300°C572 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-269°C-452 °F

Latent Heat of Fusion

—
185 J/g79.5 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

3.4 % IACS
7 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m19.7 µΩ·in
2.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.84 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.1 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

72 / 100
95 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

20%
18%

Formability (cold)

70 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
70 / 100

Castability

—
15 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 25 / 100 · Weldability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb
3,600 MJ/kg1,547,723 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

60 kg CO₂/kg
220 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

—
2,500 L/kg300 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

55 kN·m/kg
41 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

13 MN·m/kg
12.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

835 kJ/m³
738 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

17.6 mm²/s
18.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

24
23

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.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleTa-10WFS-85

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityFS-85Ta-10W
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

FS-85 vs Ta-10W — frequently asked

Is Ta-10W stronger than FS-85?

Yes. Ta-10W has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) against 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) for FS-85 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 690 MPa (100 ksi) vs 585 MPa (84.8 ksi).

Which is cheaper, FS-85 or Ta-10W?

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.

When should I choose FS-85 over Ta-10W?

Pick FS-85 when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat. Pick Ta-10W when strength drives the design, or 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 Ta-10W 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.