Refractory Metal FS-85 vs Ta-2.5W
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal FS-85 and Ta-2.5W are both refractory metal grades. FS-85 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for Ta-2.5W, about 55% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). In exchange, Ta-2.5W is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 22% for FS-85, and FS-85 is harder (208 HB vs 115 HB). FS-85 is lighter (10.6 g/cm³ vs 16.7 g/cm³ for Ta-2.5W) and Ta-2.5W is stiffer (200 GPa vs 138 GPa). On the shop floor, Ta-2.5W welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100) and FS-85 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Ta-2.5W (specialty, $$$$$).
FS-85Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Ta-2.5WChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
FS-85 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
Bulk Modulus
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
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35
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).
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
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 | FS-85 | Ta-2.5W |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Vacuum Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
FS-85 vs Ta-2.5W — frequently asked
Is FS-85 stronger than Ta-2.5W?
Yes. FS-85 has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for Ta-2.5W — about 55% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, FS-85 or Ta-2.5W?
FS-85 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Ta-2.5W is specialty ($$$$$). 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, FS-85 or Ta-2.5W?
FS-85, 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 FS-85 (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FS-85 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.