The Guide to Tantalum Powder Suppliers

Tantalum powder is a critical material used in various industries, ranging from electronics to aerospace. It offers unique properties that make it indispensable for certain applications. If you’re looking for tantalum powder suppliers, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need, including specific models, suppliers, pricing, and much more.

Overview of Tantalum Powder

Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. It’s widely used in electronics, chemical processing, and aerospace applications due to its excellent properties. Here’s a quick summary of tantalum powder:

• Chemical Symbol: Ta
• Atomic Number: 73
• Density: 16.69 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 3017°C
• Boiling Point: 5458°C

Key Properties of Tantalum Powder

Tantalum powder exhibits several unique properties, making it highly sought after in various industries:

• Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum is almost immune to corrosion in most environments, including acids.
• High Melting Point: Its melting point is among the highest of all metals.
• Biocompatibility: It’s non-toxic and biocompatible, making it suitable for medical implants.
• Excellent Conductivity: Tantalum has high electrical and thermal conductivity.
• Ductility: It can be drawn into fine wires.

Types and Models of Tantalum Powder

Tantalum powder comes in various grades and models, each tailored for specific applications. Here are ten specific tantalum powder models with detailed descriptions:

Model	Description
Ta-1	High-purity tantalum powder used in electronic capacitors and high-performance components.
Ta-2	Ultra-fine tantalum powder for 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
Ta-3	Tantalum-niobium alloy powder, enhancing mechanical properties for aerospace applications.
Ta-4	Spherical tantalum powder for precision coatings and high-tech surface applications.
Ta-5	Tantalum carbide powder for hard metals and cutting tools.
Ta-6	High-density tantalum powder used in military and defense industries.
Ta-7	Medical-grade tantalum powder suitable for implants and prosthetics.
Ta-8	Tantalum powder for chemical processing equipment due to its superior corrosion resistance.
Ta-9	Low-oxygen tantalum powder for semiconductor applications, ensuring high purity and performance.
Ta-10	High-ductility tantalum powder for intricate manufacturing processes and specialized components.

Applications of Tantalum Powder

Tantalum powder’s unique properties lend it to a wide range of applications across various industries:

Application	Details
Electronics	Used in capacitors and high-performance electronic components.
Aerospace	Integral in the production of turbine blades, rocket nozzles, and other high-temperature applications.
Medical	Biocompatible, making it ideal for surgical implants and prosthetics.
Chemical Processing	Corrosion-resistant, used in equipment exposed to harsh chemicals.
Additive Manufacturing	Ultra-fine powders used in 3D printing of complex components.
Defense	High-density powders used in armor-piercing projectiles and military-grade applications.
Semiconductor	Low-oxygen powders essential for high-purity semiconductor manufacturing.
Cutting Tools	Tantalum carbide powders used in hard metals and cutting tools for enhanced performance.
Coatings	Spherical powders for precision coatings in high-tech applications.
Surface Treatments	Used in treatments to enhance the durability and performance of various materials.

Specifications, Sizes, Grades, and Standards

Understanding the specifications, sizes, grades, and standards of tantalum powder is crucial for selecting the right product for your needs:

Specification	Details
Purity	Typically ranges from 99.5% to 99.95%
Particle Size	Varies from nano-sized particles to larger granules
Grade	Medical, aerospace, electronic, industrial
Density	Typically around 16.69 g/cm³
Melting Point	3017°C
Standards	ASTM B365, MIL-T-10727, ISO 9001
Oxygen Content	Low-oxygen variants available for semiconductor applications
Form	Powder, granules, or spherical particles
Appearance	Dark gray to blue-gray powder

Tantalum Powder Suppliers and Pricing Details

Finding the right supplier for tantalum powder is crucial for ensuring quality and reliability. Here are some notable suppliers and their pricing details:

Supplier	Location	Product Range	Pricing (per kg)
H.C. Starck	Germany	High-purity tantalum powders	$800 – $1500
Global Advanced Metals	USA	Medical-grade and electronic-grade powders	$850 – $1600
ATI Metals	USA	Aerospace-grade tantalum powders	$900 – $1700
Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide	China	Tantalum carbide powders	$700 – $1400
Plansee Group	Austria	High-density and low-oxygen powders	$950 – $1800
Advanced Powder Technologies	USA	Ultra-fine and spherical powders	$1000 – $1900
Rhenium Alloys, Inc.	USA	Tantalum-niobium alloy powders	$950 – $1700
Stanford Advanced Materials	USA	Medical and industrial grade powders	$800 – $1600
Metalysis	UK	Additive manufacturing powders	$1100 – $2000
Ningxia Orient Tantalum Industry	China	Electronic-grade and high-purity powders	$750 – $1500

Pros and Cons of Tantalum Powder

When considering tantalum powder for your applications, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance	High Cost
High Melting Point	Limited Availability
Biocompatibility	Specialized Processing Required
Excellent Electrical Conductivity	High Density
Ductility and Workability	Potential Supply Chain Issues

FAQs

What are the main applications of tantalum powder?

Tantalum powder is used in electronics, aerospace, medical implants, chemical processing equipment, and additive manufacturing.

How do I choose the right tantalum powder supplier?

Consider factors such as product purity, supplier reputation, pricing, and specific application needs. Look for suppliers with ISO certifications and good customer reviews.

Why is tantalum powder so expensive?

The high cost is due to its rarity, complex extraction process, and the specialized equipment required for processing.

Can tantalum powder be used in 3D printing?

Yes, ultra-fine tantalum powders are used in 3D printing for creating complex components with high precision.

Is tantalum powder safe for medical applications?

Yes, tantalum is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for medical implants and prosthetics.

What are the challenges of using tantalum powder in manufacturing?

Challenges include its high cost, limited availability, and the need for specialized processing techniques.

How is tantalum powder produced?

Tantalum powder is typically produced through processes such as hydrogen reduction, sodium reduction, or electrochemical deposition.

What industries benefit the most from tantalum powder?

Key industries include electronics, aerospace, medical, chemical processing, and defense.

Are there alternatives to tantalum powder?

Alternatives include other refractory metals like tungsten, molybdenum, and niobium, but they may not offer the same combination of properties as tantalum.

How can I ensure the quality of tantalum powder?

Ensure the quality by purchasing from reputable suppliers, checking certifications, and verifying the material’s specifications and purity.

Conclusion

Tantalum powder is a remarkable material with a broad range of applications, from cutting-edge electronics to life-saving medical implants. Understanding its properties, types, and uses can help you make informed decisions when sourcing this valuable material. Whether you’re in the aerospace industry or involved in additive manufacturing, choosing the right supplier and model of tantalum powder is crucial for achieving optimal results.

know more 3D printing processes