FabDigit

Refractory Metal T-111

UNS R05340 · ASTM B364

A high-temperature tantalum alloy strengthened with tungsten and hafnium, offering excellent creep strength and ductility retention above 1300°C; used where R05252/R05255 lack sufficient high-temperature strength.

High cost $$$$

Reference datasheet — T-111 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

T-111 tempers and conditions

T-111 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Spheroidize annealed
Ingot or cast-shape condition supplied for further working or for non-critical high-temperature hardware; coarse grain lowers strength and ductility.38050018208 HB6.9 % IACS
As-welded deposit
Property basis for weld joints — T-111 welds retain good ductility provided the chamber atmosphere is oxygen/nitrogen free.40054018225 HB6.9 % IACS
AnnealedDefault
Annealed (recrystallized, vacuum 1500–1650 °C)
Standard stocked condition for sheet, plate, rod and tube — maximum ductility and formability, best for forming and welding.4155502521 HRC6.9 % IACS
Stress relieved
Choose when higher room-temperature strength is needed but residual cold-work stresses must be removed before service.6207201528 HRC6.8 % IACS
Cold worked
Highest room-temperature strength and hardness for springs, fasteners and thin foil; strength is lost on exposure above ~1300 °C.830900832 HRC6.7 % IACS

What is T-111?

A high-temperature tantalum alloy strengthened with tungsten and hafnium, offering excellent creep strength and ductility retention above 1300°C; used where R05252/R05255 lack sufficient high-temperature strength. T-111 has a density of 16.8 g/cm³ (0.607 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,030°C (5,486 °F). T-111 has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

What is T-111 used for?

  • nuclear reactor components
  • rocket thruster liners
  • high-temperature furnace fixtures
  • space power system heat exchangers

Advantages

  • Tough — resists crack growth — 100 MPa·√m (91 ksi·√in), better than 98% of refractory metal grades
  • High service temperature — 2,200°C (3,992 °F), better than 94% of refractory metal grades
  • Readily welded — 80/100, better than 92% of refractory metal grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 75% of refractory metal grades

Limitations

  • High embodied carbon — 265 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 95% of refractory metal grades
  • Heavy — 16.8 g/cm³ (0.607 lb/in³), worse than 89% of refractory metal grades

T-111 properties

Typical room-temperature values for T-111-Annealed; bars are the position among refractory metal grades.

Physical3

T-111 has a density of 16.8 g/cm³ (0.607 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,030°C (5,486 °F).

Density16.8 g/cm³0.61 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)3,030°C5,486 °F
Liquidus Temperature3,055°C5,531 °F

Mechanical17

T-111 has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus200 GPa29 Msi
Shear Modulus74 GPa10.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.35
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)550 MPa79.8 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)415 MPa60.2 ksi
Elongation at Break25%
Reduction in Area60%
Compressive Strength425 MPa61.6 ksi
Shear Strength330 MPa47.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)250 MPa36.3 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)100 MPa·√m91 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)110 J81.1 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell220 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B99 HRB
Hardness, Rockwell C21 HRC
Hardness, Vickers235 HV

Thermal6

T-111 is rated for continuous service to 2,200°C (3,992 °F). It conducts heat at 42 W/m·K (24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 50% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 6.5 µm/m·K (3.61 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity140 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)6.5 µm/m·K3.6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion195 J/g83.8 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)2,200°C3,992 °F
Min Service Temperature-253°C-423 °F

Electrical3

T-111 conducts electricity at 6.9 % IACS, better than 52% of refractory metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity6.9 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m9.84 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic (paramagnetic)

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (93/100), better than 92% of refractory metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.05 V
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent93/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryEssentially inert to most mineral acids (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4 below ~150 °C), chlorides and organics like unalloyed Ta; attacked by HF, fluorides, fuming/oleum SO3, hot strong alkalis, and absorbs hydrogen when cathodically polarised. Oxidises catastrophically in air above roughly 400 °C — inert gas or vacuum only at temperature.

Sustainability3

Producing a kilogram of T-111 takes about 4,400 MJ of energy and emits 265 kg of CO₂ — more than 94% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)4,400 MJ/kg1,891,661 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)265 kg CO₂/kg
Typical Recycled Content20%

Manufacturability8

T-111's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 65% of refractory metal grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability very good (70/100).

MachinabilityPoor25/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)20%
WeldabilityVery good80/100
Formability (cold)Very good70/100
CastabilityPoor30/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood55/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a as a decorative finish; Ta does form a stable anodic oxide (used for capacitor dielectrics) but no engineering anodize spec exists for this alloy

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated33 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated11.9 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated431 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated17.9 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated18

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. T-111 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.

1502003005007001,0001,5005101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleT-111

Working with T-111

Is T-111 easy to machine?

Machines like a soft gummy metal: slow speeds, heavy positive-rake sharp carbide, rigid setups, generous chlorinated or sulfurised coolant to stop galling and built-up edge; degrease and etch after machining to remove embedded contaminants.

Can T-111 be welded?

GTAW or EB weld in high-purity argon glove box or vacuum only — any O2/N2/H2 pickup embrittles the joint; no filler needed, clean with acid pickle and vacuum degas before welding.

Can T-111 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent cold formability in the annealed state (bending, deep drawing, spinning); anneal at 1450–1650 °C in vacuum between heavy passes and never form or heat in air above ~300 °C.

T-111 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Wsolid-solution strengthener7 – 98
Hfoxygen getter / carbide-forming strengthener1.8 – 2.42
Nb≤ 0.5
Mo≤ 0.02
Ti≤ 0.02
Fe≤ 0.01
Ni≤ 0.01
Si≤ 0.01
C≤ 0.01
Ointerstitials control ductility≤ 0.02
N≤ 0.01
H≤ 0
Tabalance

What surface finishes work on T-111?

Chemical polish or electropolish in HF/HNO3-based baths; no decorative anodize or plating is normally applied, and iridium/silicide coatings are used only when short air exposure at temperature is unavoidable.

Equivalent designations

Standards and trade names that resolve to Refractory Metal T-111 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.

UNS
R05340
ASTM
B364
Also called
Ta-8W-2Hf

How much does T-111 cost?

T-111 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.

T-111 — frequently asked

What is T-111 used for?

T-111 is typically used for nuclear reactor components, rocket thruster liners, high-temperature furnace fixtures and space power system heat exchangers. In short: high-creep-strength tantalum alloy; ductile above 1300 °C; vacuum or inert service only.

What is the yield strength of T-111?

T-111 has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is T-111 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 65% of refractory metal grades). Machines like a soft gummy metal: slow speeds, heavy positive-rake sharp carbide, rigid setups, generous chlorinated or sulfurised coolant to stop galling and built-up edge; degrease and etch after machining to remove embedded contaminants.

Can T-111 be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). GTAW or EB weld in high-purity argon glove box or vacuum only — any O2/N2/H2 pickup embrittles the joint; no filler needed, clean with acid pickle and vacuum degas before welding.

What surface finishes work on T-111?

Chemical polish or electropolish in HF/HNO3-based baths; no decorative anodize or plating is normally applied, and iridium/silicide coatings are used only when short air exposure at temperature is unavoidable.

Can T-111 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent cold formability in the annealed state (bending, deep drawing, spinning); anneal at 1450–1650 °C in vacuum between heavy passes and never form or heat in air above ~300 °C.

What is the maximum service temperature of T-111?

T-111 is rated for continuous use to about 2,200°C (3,992 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between T-111 Annealed and T-111-CW?

Annealed is the default condition — standard stocked condition for sheet, plate, rod and tube — maximum ductility and formability, best for forming and welding. CW: highest room-temperature strength and hardness for springs, fasteners and thin foil; strength is lost on exposure above ~1300 °C. Yield strength is 415 MPa in Annealed versus 830 MPa in CW.

How much does T-111 cost?

T-111 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

  1. ASTM B708 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2021)
  2. ASTM B365 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Rod and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
  3. ASTM B364 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Castings — ASTM International (2018)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
  5. NASA technical reports on Ta-8W-2Hf (T-111) for space power systems — NASA (1970)
  6. Tantalum alloy Ta-8W-2Hf product data — refractory-metal producers (H.C. Starck / Plansee / ) (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.