Tantalum Metal: An Introduction For Curious Industrial Business Owners
When you are in the manufacturing business, getting to know your materials and the supplies that are available to you is one of your biggest challenges, especially when it comes to different types of metals. Even though tantalum metal has always been around, it is one of the less common types of metal used in manufacturing because of its rarity. For specific manufacturing processes, however, tantalum metal makes a logical choice. Here are a few common questions about tantalum and the answers you should know so you can understand its value in manufacturing.
What exactly is tantalum metal?
Tantalum is considered to be an element and is part of the refractory group of metals that are a bit rarer than copper or tin. Tantalum was once referred to as tantalium, and it is commonly used in place of platinum in some production settings because of its similar composition.
What are the benefits of tantalum metal?
Tantalum metal is highly advantageous in the way it is resilient to the elements. It is non-corrosive, so the metal stands up very well in applications where exposure to corrosive minerals or chemicals is normally an issue. Tantalum metal also has an incredibly high melting point, much like tungsten; therefore, it is great at withstanding high heat. Because tantalum is so strong, it is often used as an alloy to give strength to other metals.
Where can you find tantalum metal?
Tantalum metal is not available through every metal supplier because it is considered a specialty product. In most cases, you will have to look for a supplier who deals in specialty metal supplies before you will get access to the tantalum metal you need in its various forms. Some metal companies buy tantalum from a third party for resale so they will have some in stock, but the forms they have in these situations can be limited so it is always best to buy straight from a tantalum manufacturer if you can.
What applications can tantalum metal be used in?
Because of its hardness, resilience to corrosion, and high melting point, tantalum works exceptionally well in the creation of laboratory equipment. This metal is commonly used in chemical processing equipment as well because it stands up to nearly everything. If you deal with nuclear compounds, tantalum is a good metal option as well. Aircraft parts are commonly made with tantalum alloys because it can withstand high temperatures without melting.
