Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%)
Ultra-high-purity tantalum (99.999%) produced by electron-beam melting for semiconductor sputtering targets and thin-film barrier layers, distinct from standard commercial-purity unalloyed tantalum grades.
Reference datasheet — 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the Annealed condition
5N Tantalum (99.999%) tempers and conditions
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault vacuum recrystallization annealed plate/target blank | Standard supply condition for sputtering-target blanks and corrosion linings: fully recrystallized, fine uniform grain, maximum ductility. | 120 | 200 | 45 | 65 HB | 57 W/m·K |
Stress relieved | Pick when moderate strength plus flatness/low residual stress are needed, e.g. thick target blanks and formed capacitor parts. | 240 | 300 | 22 | 105 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
Cold worked | Highest strength and stiffness-per-section; used for springs, thin strip and wire where subsequent annealing is not wanted. | 400 | 450 | 7 | 152 HB | 13.1 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Foil-Ann | Foil/Sheet, annealed thin gauge | Supply form |
EBM-Ingot | EBM | Surface finish |
What is 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
Ultra-high-purity tantalum (99.999%) produced by electron-beam melting for semiconductor sputtering targets and thin-film barrier layers, distinct from standard commercial-purity unalloyed tantalum grades. 5N Tantalum (99.999%) has a density of 16.65 g/cm³ (0.602 lb/in³), heavier than 86% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,017°C (5,463 °F). 5N Tantalum (99.999%) has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 99% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 186 GPa (27 Msi).
What is 5N Tantalum (99.999%) used for?
- semiconductor diffusion barrier films
- sputtering targets
- MLCC electrode materials
- thin-film resistor coatings
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 99% of refractory metal grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 100 MPa·√m (91 ksi·√in), better than 98% of refractory metal grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 97/100, better than 97% of refractory metal grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 91% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 120 MPa (17.4 ksi), worse than 99% of refractory metal grades
- High embodied carbon — 270 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 97% of refractory metal grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 95% of refractory metal grades
- Heavy — 16.65 g/cm³ (0.602 lb/in³), worse than 86% of refractory metal grades
5N Tantalum (99.999%) properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-Annealed; bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
5N Tantalum (99.999%) has a density of 16.65 g/cm³ (0.602 lb/in³), heavier than 86% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,017°C (5,463 °F).
Mechanical13
5N Tantalum (99.999%) has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 99% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 186 GPa (27 Msi).
Thermal6
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 57 W/m·K (32.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 68% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 6.5 µm/m·K (3.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5N Tantalum (99.999%) conducts electricity at 13.8 % IACS, better than 73% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (97/100), better than 97% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5N Tantalum (99.999%) takes about 4,500 MJ of energy and emits 270 kg of CO₂ — more than 97% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
5N Tantalum (99.999%)'s machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 65% of refractory metal grades); weldability good (60/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the refractory metal family
Yield strength against density for every refractory metal grade FabDigit runs. 5N Tantalum (99.999%) is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 5N Tantalum (99.999%)
Is 5N Tantalum (99.999%) easy to machine?
Extremely gummy and prone to galling/built-up edge — use sharp, highly-positive carbide or HSS-Co tools, slow speeds (20–40 m/min), heavy feed, chlorinated or flood coolant, and never dwell; grind with SiC after acid pickling to avoid embedded iron.
Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%) be welded?
EB or GTAW in a purged glovebox/vacuum chamber only — any O2/N2/H2 pickup above ~300 °C embrittles the joint; no filler needed, keep interstitials below 100 ppm to retain ductility.
Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%) be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms, deep-draws and rolls readily at room temperature with >90 % reduction between anneals; use clean tooling and lubricant free of chlorides/sulfur, and vacuum recrystallization-anneal at 1000–1300 °C to reset grain size for uniform sputter erosion.
5N Tantalum (99.999%) chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Nb≤10 ppm; principal metallic impurity | ≤ 0 | 3×10⁻⁴ |
| W≤5 ppm | ≤ 5×10⁻⁴ | 2×10⁻⁴ |
| Mo≤3 ppm | ≤ 3×10⁻⁴ | 1×10⁻⁴ |
| Fe≤2 ppm | ≤ 2×10⁻⁴ | 5×10⁻⁵ |
| Ni≤2 ppm | ≤ 2×10⁻⁴ | 5×10⁻⁵ |
| Cr≤1 ppm | ≤ 1×10⁻⁴ | 3×10⁻⁵ |
| Ti≤1 ppm | ≤ 1×10⁻⁴ | 3×10⁻⁵ |
| Si≤2 ppm | ≤ 2×10⁻⁴ | 5×10⁻⁵ |
| U≤0.5 ppb; alpha-emitter control for semiconductor use | ≤ 5×10⁻⁸ | |
| Th≤0.5 ppb | ≤ 5×10⁻⁸ | |
| O≤50 ppm, interstitial (not counted in 5N metals basis) | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| C≤10 ppm | ≤ 0 | 5×10⁻⁴ |
| N≤10 ppm | ≤ 0 | 3×10⁻⁴ |
| H≤5 ppm | ≤ 5×10⁻⁴ | 1×10⁻⁴ |
| Ta99.999 % metals basis (gases excluded), GDMS-verified | ≥ 100 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
Acid pickle (HNO3-HF) or CMP to remove machining smear before target bonding; anodizing in dilute phosphoric acid builds a Ta2O5 dielectric/colour film — plating is rarely used, and surface cleanliness (particles, Fe, Na) governs thin-film yield.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%) in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- 5N Ta
How much does 5N Tantalum (99.999%) cost?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is a high-cost refractory metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
5N Tantalum (99.999%) — frequently asked
What is 5N Tantalum (99.999%) used for?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is typically used for semiconductor diffusion barrier films, sputtering targets, MLCC electrode materials and thin-film resistor coatings. In short: highest-purity tantalum grade; electron-beam melted, 5N; excellent cold formability.
What is the yield strength of 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 99% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 5N Tantalum (99.999%) easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 65% of refractory metal grades). Extremely gummy and prone to galling/built-up edge — use sharp, highly-positive carbide or HSS-Co tools, slow speeds (20–40 m/min), heavy feed, chlorinated or flood coolant, and never dwell; grind with SiC after acid pickling to avoid embedded iron.
Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%) be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). EB or GTAW in a purged glovebox/vacuum chamber only — any O2/N2/H2 pickup above ~300 °C embrittles the joint; no filler needed, keep interstitials below 100 ppm to retain ductility.
What surface finishes work on 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
Acid pickle (HNO3-HF) or CMP to remove machining smear before target bonding; anodizing in dilute phosphoric acid builds a Ta2O5 dielectric/colour film — plating is rarely used, and surface cleanliness (particles, Fe, Na) governs thin-film yield.
Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%) be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms, deep-draws and rolls readily at room temperature with >90 % reduction between anneals; use clean tooling and lubricant free of chlorides/sulfur, and vacuum recrystallization-anneal at 1000–1300 °C to reset grain size for uniform sputter erosion.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5N Tantalum (99.999%) Annealed and 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-CW?
Annealed is the default condition — standard supply condition for sputtering-target blanks and corrosion linings: fully recrystallized, fine uniform grain, maximum ductility. CW: highest strength and stiffness-per-section; used for springs, thin strip and wire where subsequent annealing is not wanted. Yield strength is 120 MPa in Annealed versus 400 MPa in CW.
How much does 5N Tantalum (99.999%) cost?
5N Tantalum (99.999%) is a high-cost refractory metal ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B708 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM B365 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Rod and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics — Physical Properties of the Elements — CRC Press (2023)
- High-purity tantalum sputtering target blanks (EB-melted, 99.999 %) — Global Advanced Metals / H.C. Starck / (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.