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Refractory Metal T-222 vs Ta-40Nb

Refractory Metal · grade comparison

Refractory Metal T-222 and Ta-40Nb are both refractory metal grades. T-222 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for Ta-40Nb, about 114% more; tensile strength follows at 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). In exchange, Ta-40Nb is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 22% for T-222, and T-222 is harder (250 HB vs 125 HB). Ta-40Nb is lighter (12.1 g/cm³ vs 16.9 g/cm³ for T-222) and T-222 is stiffer (200 GPa vs 138 GPa). On the shop floor, Ta-40Nb welds better (excellent vs good).

T-222Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

Ta-40NbChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

T-222 vs Ta-40Nb: properties

T-222Ta-40Nb

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

200 GPa29 Msi
138 GPa20 Msi

Shear Modulus

75 GPa10.9 Msi
51 GPa7.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

195 GPa28.3 Msi
165 GPa23.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
0.36

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

600 MPa87 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

470 MPa68.2 ksi
220 MPa31.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

22%
27%

Reduction in Area

55%
65%

Compressive Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
—

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

80 MPa·√m72.8 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

55 J40.6 ft·lbf
—

Hardness, Brinell

250 HB
125 HB

Hardness, Rockwell C

24 HRC
—

Hardness, Vickers

265 HV
130 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

16.9 g/cm³0.61 lb/in³
12.1 g/cm³0.44 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

3,030°C5,486 °F
2,650°C4,802 °F

Liquidus Temperature

3,080°C5,576 °F
2,750°C4,982 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
32 W/m·K18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

140 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F
190 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

6.5 µm/m·K3.6 µin/in·°F
6.8 µm/m·K3.8 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

175 J/g75.2 BTU/lb
250 J/g107 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

2,400°C4,352 °F
300°C572 °F

Min Service Temperature

-269°C-452 °F
-253°C-423 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

4.1 % IACS
4.3 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

4.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m16.5 µΩ·in
4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m15.7 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

93 / 100
90 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

18 / 100
22 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

15%
22%

Weldability

65 / 100
85 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
85 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

55 / 100
50 / 100

Castability

—
20 / 100

Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

4,400 MJ/kg1,891,661 BTU/lb
2,800 MJ/kg1,203,784 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

265 kg CO₂/kg
160 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

20%
25%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

36 kN·m/kg
27 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

11.8 MN·m/kg
11.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

552 kJ/m³
175 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

17.8 mm²/s
13.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

19
11

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-40NbT-222

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityT-222Ta-40Nb
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

T-222 vs Ta-40Nb — frequently asked

Is T-222 stronger than Ta-40Nb?

Yes. T-222 has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for Ta-40Nb — about 114% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, T-222 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, T-222 or Ta-40Nb?

Ta-40Nb. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against good (65/100) for T-222.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in T-222 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.