Refractory Metal T-111 vs Ta-2.5W
Refractory Metal · grade comparison
Refractory Metal T-111 and Ta-2.5W are both refractory metal grades. T-111 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for Ta-2.5W, about 34% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi). In exchange, Ta-2.5W is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 25% for T-111, and T-111 is harder (220 HB vs 115 HB). T-111 runs hotter in service (2,200°C vs 300°C continuous) and Ta-2.5W conducts heat better (54 W/m·K vs 42 W/m·K). On the shop floor, T-111 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Ta-2.5W (specialty, $$$$$).
T-111Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ta-2.5WChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
T-111 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.
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 3,030°C5,486 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 140 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 6.5 µm/m·K3.6 µin/in·°F
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) -0.05 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 4,400 MJ/kg1,891,661 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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 | T-111 | Ta-2.5W |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | Vacuum Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
T-111 vs Ta-2.5W — frequently asked
Is T-111 stronger than Ta-2.5W?
Yes. T-111 has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) against 310 MPa (45 ksi) for Ta-2.5W — about 34% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 415 MPa (60.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, T-111 or Ta-2.5W?
T-111 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Ta-2.5W is specialty ($$$$$). 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, T-111 or Ta-2.5W?
T-111, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 18/100 for Ta-2.5W.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in T-111 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.