Refractory Metal Ta-10W-CW (Cold worked)
Supply condition
UNS R05255 · ASTM B365
Use the as-rolled or as-drawn hard state (≥50 % reduction) for high-strength fasteners, thin foil and spring elements; ductility falls to 5 %, so anneal before forming, and hot service recrystallizes and softens it.
Values for the CW condition
Other Ta-10W tempers and conditions
Ta-10W is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at Ta-10W.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANNDefault Annealed | Pick the standard vacuum recrystallization annealed supply state for deep drawing, spinning and welded structures; 690 MPa tensile with 25 % elongation balances strength and ductility. | 550 | 690 | 25 | 225 HB | — |
Stress relieved | Choose cold work followed by a stress-relief anneal when 720 MPa yield is needed with residual stresses removed and useful ductility, 15 % elongation, still retained. | 720 | 830 | 15 | 28 HRC | 6.8 % IACS |
CWThis page Cold worked | Use the as-rolled or as-drawn hard state (≥50 % reduction) for high-strength fasteners, thin foil and spring elements; ductility falls to 5 %, so anneal before forming, and hot service recrystallizes and softens it. | 930 | 1,030 | 5 | 34 HRC | 6.5 % IACS |
What is Ta-10W-CW?
Ta-10W-CW is Ta-10W supplied in the CW condition — use the as-rolled or as-drawn hard state (≥50 % reduction) for high-strength fasteners, thin foil and spring elements; ductility falls to 5 %, so anneal before forming, and hot service recrystallizes and softens it. Ta-10W-CW has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 93% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi). Ta-10W-CW 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). ANN is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CW is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 95/100, better than 94% of refractory metal grades
- High strength — 930 MPa (135 ksi), better than 93% of refractory metal grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 95% of refractory metal grades
- Heavy — 16.8 g/cm³ (0.607 lb/in³), worse than 89% of refractory metal grades
- High embodied carbon — 220 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 87% of refractory metal grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 80% of refractory metal grades
- Limited ductility — 5%, worse than 78% of refractory metal grades
Ta-10W-CW properties
Typical room-temperature values for Ta-10W-CW; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Ta-10W reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.
Physical3
Ta-10W-CW 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).
Mechanical13
Ta-10W-CW has a yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 93% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
Ta-10W-CW is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °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).
Electrical3
Ta-10W-CW conducts electricity at 6.5 % IACS, better than 52% of refractory metal grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is excellent (95/100), better than 94% of refractory metal grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Ta-10W-CW takes about 3,600 MJ of energy and emits 220 kg of CO₂ — more than 87% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
Ta-10W-CW's machinability is poor (30/100, better than 54% of refractory metal grades); weldability good (60/100); formability poor (15/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Ta-10W-CW
Is Ta-10W easy to machine?
The alloy sticks badly to the tool: use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS, low speeds with large depth of cut, and heavy emulsion coolant to suppress frictional heat and built-up edge.
Can Ta-10W be welded?
GTAW must be performed in an argon-filled glovebox or under a high-purity gas shield, or use electron-beam or laser welding. Degrease and remove all oxide before welding to prevent O/N/H contamination embrittling the weld.
Can Ta-10W be formed, bent or molded?
Ductility is good in the annealed condition, allowing cold stamping, spinning and deep drawing. It work-hardens quickly, so vacuum interanneal at about 1200–1450 °C and use anti-galling coated or lubricated dies.
What surface finishes work on Ta-10W?
Electropolish or chemically polish in HF/HNO3 mixed acid with appropriate protection. Anodizing can be used to build a functional Ta2O5 film; decorative coatings are normally not applied.
Ta-10W 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wprimary solid-solution strengthening element | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Nb | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Mo | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Ti | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| C | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| O | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| N | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| HH must be very low to prevent embrittlement | ≤ 0 | — |
| Ta | balance | — |
Ta-10W-CW — frequently asked
What is Ta-10W-CW used for?
Ta-10W-CW is typically used for shaped charge liners, high-temperature aerospace components, furnace hardware and high-strength corrosion-resistant fasteners. In short: strongest common tantalum alloy; shaped-charge liner grade; corrosion resistance retained.
What is the yield strength of Ta-10W-CW?
Ta-10W-CW has a typical yield strength of 930 MPa (135 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,030 MPa (149 ksi) — stronger than 93% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is Ta-10W-CW easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, better than 54% of refractory metal grades). The alloy sticks badly to the tool: use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS, low speeds with large depth of cut, and heavy emulsion coolant to suppress frictional heat and built-up edge.
Can Ta-10W-CW be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). GTAW must be performed in an argon-filled glovebox or under a high-purity gas shield, or use electron-beam or laser welding. Degrease and remove all oxide before welding to prevent O/N/H contamination embrittling the weld.
What surface finishes work on Ta-10W-CW?
Electropolish or chemically polish in HF/HNO3 mixed acid with appropriate protection. Anodizing can be used to build a functional Ta2O5 film; decorative coatings are normally not applied.
Can Ta-10W-CW be formed, bent or molded?
Ductility is good in the annealed condition, allowing cold stamping, spinning and deep drawing. It work-hardens quickly, so vacuum interanneal at about 1200–1450 °C and use anti-galling coated or lubricated dies.
What is the maximum service temperature of Ta-10W-CW?
Ta-10W-CW 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 Ta-10W-ANN and Ta-10W-CW?
ANN is the default condition — pick the standard vacuum recrystallization annealed supply state for deep drawing, spinning and welded structures; 690 MPa tensile with 25 % elongation balances strength and ductility. CW: use the as-rolled or as-drawn hard state (≥50 % reduction) for high-strength fasteners, thin foil and spring elements; ductility falls to 5 %, so anneal before forming, and hot service recrystallizes and softens it. Yield strength is 550 MPa in ANN versus 930 MPa in CW.
Sources
- ASTM B365 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Rod and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B708 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
- Tantalum and tantalum alloy (Ta-2.5W / Ta-10W) mill products data — H.C. Starck / Plansee (2021)
- Metal life-cycle energy and GHG inventory (tantalum) — Nuss & Eckelman, PLoS ONE (2014)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.