Refractory Metal FS-85 vs Ta-40Nb
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal FS-85 and Ta-40Nb are both refractory metal grades. FS-85 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for Ta-40Nb, about 118% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). In exchange, Ta-40Nb is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 22% for FS-85, and FS-85 is harder (208 HB vs 125 HB). FS-85 is lighter (10.6 g/cm³ vs 12.1 g/cm³ for Ta-40Nb) and FS-85 runs hotter in service (1,500°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, Ta-40Nb welds better (excellent vs very good).
FS-85Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Ta-40NbChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
FS-85 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.
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 138 GPa20 Msi · Shear Modulus 51 GPa7.4 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
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)
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 | Ta-40Nb |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
FS-85 vs Ta-40Nb — frequently asked
Is FS-85 stronger than Ta-40Nb?
Yes. FS-85 has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for Ta-40Nb — about 118% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, FS-85 or Ta-40Nb?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, FS-85 or Ta-40Nb?
Ta-40Nb. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (70/100) for FS-85.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FS-85 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.