Metallurgical Assessment of Tantalum Tubes Obtained from Welded Blanks.

A description is given of the methods used in the production of 6 to 30 mm diam tantalum, tubing with 1 to 0. 3 mm wall thickness. The description covers the steps from extracting the metal from the ore to welding tubular blanks from rolled stock and finish rolling on tube mills. It is emphasized that a compromise must be found between obtaining the high-purity product required for corrosion resistance and strength and the cost of fabrication.