Tantalum is a high-performance refractory metal valued for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high melting point (2996°C), ductility, and biocompatibility. Within the commercially pure grades, R05200 and R05400 tantalum are widely used in industries such as chemical processing, medical, electronics, and aerospace.
Though both are unalloyed tantalum grades, the manufacturing process sets them apart, resulting in differences in purity, surface finish, and end-use applications.
What is R05200 Tantalum?
Manufacturing
R05200 tantalum is typically produced by vacuum-arc melting (VAM) or electron-beam melting (EBM). These refining methods eliminate most impurities while preserving ductility and corrosion resistance.
Properties
- High purity (≥99.9% Ta)
- Excellent corrosion resistance in most acids (except HF and hot concentrated H₂SO₄)
- Superior ductility and formability
- Good weldability
Applications
- Chemical processing equipment (heat exchangers, evaporators, reactor linings)
- Medical implants (pacemakers, surgical components)
- High-performance industrial parts where corrosion resistance and toughness are critical
What is R05400 Tantalum?
Manufacturing
R05400 tantalum is produced by powder metallurgy consolidation. This method ensures tighter impurity controls and provides a higher-quality surface finish compared to vacuum-melted tantalum.
Properties
- High purity (≥99.95% Ta) with precise control over oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon
- Excellent biocompatibility
- High-quality surface finish suitable for precision components
- Superior consistency batch-to-batch
Applications
- Capacitor-grade tantalum used in electronics (thin films, capacitor anodes)
- Medical implants and surgical instruments where purity is critical
- High-purity environments in semiconductors and aerospace components
R05200 vs R05400 Tantalum: Key Differences
| Aspect | R05200 Tantalum | R05400 Tantalum |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Vacuum-arc or electron-beam melting | Powder metallurgy consolidation |
| Purity | ≥99.9% | ≥99.95% (tighter impurity control) |
| Surface Finish | Standard | High-quality, smoother finish |
| Properties | Excellent ductility & corrosion resistance | Superior purity, precise consistency |
| Typical Use | Chemical equipment, implants, industrial parts | Capacitors, semiconductors, medical implants |
👉 Key Takeaway:
- Choose R05200 when ductility and corrosion resistance are most important.
- Choose R05400 when purity, precision, and surface quality are critical (e.g., capacitor-grade applications).
Properties of R05200 & R05400 Tantalum
Both grades share fundamental tantalum properties:
- Density: 16.65 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 2996°C
- Outstanding resistance to most acids and aggressive environments
Why Buy Tantalum from M-Kube?
At M-Kube, we supply both R05200 and R05400 tantalum grades in multiple forms: tantalum rods, tubes, wires, crucibles, and custom components.
- Guaranteed compliance with ASTM B365 and international standards
- Availability of capacitor-grade tantalum (R05400) for high-purity applications
- Custom machining to meet your specifications
- Reliable sourcing at competitive prices
Request a quote today to buy tantalum online for your industrial, medical, or research applications.
