Tantalum wire

Tantalum Wire – High-Purity Precision Wire | Focuswmo

Focuswmo is a trusted global supplier of high-performance refractory metal products. Our tantalum wire is manufactured with superior purity, outstanding corrosion resistance, and excellent high-temperature stability—making it the ideal material for demanding industrial and scientific applications.

Tantalum (Ta) Wire & High-Reliability Engineering Properties

1. Physical & Chemical Properties

What makes Tantalum wire unique?

1. Absolute Corrosion Resistance:  At temperatures below 150°C, tantalum is almost completely immune to chemical attack by aggressive acids (like aqua regia, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid).

2. High Ductility:  Unlike other refractory metals like tungsten or molybdenum, tantalum remains highly ductile and pliable even at sub-zero temperatures, meaning it can be drawn into incredibly fine, flexible wires without fracturing.

3. Anodic Oxide Layer:  When exposed to an electrical current in an electrolyte, tantalum forms a highly stable, dense, and self-healing dielectric layer of Tantalum Pentoxide (Ta2O5).

What is the melting point and density of Tantalum wire?

• Melting Point:  2996°C (5425°F) — ranked 5th highest among all elements.

• Density:  16.65 g/cm³ (roughly twice as heavy as steel).

2. Common Applications

Where is Tantalum wire most frequently used?

3. Classifications & Grades

What are the main grades of Tantalum wire?

• RO5200 (Unalloyed/Commercial Purity):  Typically 99.9% to 99.95% pure. Used for chemical processing equipment and general vacuum applications.

• RO5400 (Capacitor Grade):  Ultra-high purity (99.99%+). Engineered strictly for the electronics industry with highly controlled electrical properties to minimize leakage current.

• Ta-10W (Tantalum-10% Tungsten):  An alloy grade. Adding tungsten dramatically increases the wire's tensile strength and heat resistance, making it ideal for aggressive aerospace and high-pressure chemical environments.

4. Handling, Limitations & Best Practices

Does Tantalum wire oxidize?

Yes. While it laughs at acids at room temperature, tantalum is highly sensitive to oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen at elevated temperatures.

Above 300°C, it will absorb oxygen and rapidly turn brittle.

Above 600°C, severe oxidation occurs, destroying the structural integrity of the wire.

Rule of thumb: If operating at high temperatures, tantalum wire must be protected inside a high vacuum or an inert gas shield (such as ultra-pure Argon).

Can Tantalum wire be welded?

Yes, but it requires extreme care. Because tantalum acts like a sponge for atmospheric gases when hot, standard open-air welding will ruin it. It must be welded using TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) or Electron Beam Welding (EBW) inside a strictly controlled purged chamber.

Why is Tantalum wire so expensive?

Tantalum is a conflict-mineral-regulated element found primarily in the rare mineral coltan. The extraction process is chemically complex, involving hazardous hydrofluoric acid treatments to separate it from niobium. Combined with its high density (meaning less length per kilogram) and the specialized tooling required to draw it into ultra-fine diameters, it carries a premium cost.

Why Choose Focuswmo?

Over 9 years of experience in refractory metal manufacturing

Advanced production equipment and strict quality control

Custom machining and wire processing services

Fast delivery and global shipping

Professional technical support and material consultation