Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Etching tantalum for metallography

2004

This company is about to get engaged in the manufacture of Tantalum cladded equipment. We are in need to qualify weld procedures for the welding of Tantalum. In order to do so, we must produce a macro test sample of the weld.

My question is, what etchant can I use to etch the macro sample with in order to examine the weld.

I thank you for your kind assistance.

Best Regards,

Wolfgang Graaf
Quality Assurance Manager - Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

10% sodium hydroxide in water has been suggested by others as a useful etchant for tantalum. Haven't had occasion to try it, myself. If you're looking at tantalum-CLAD material, you need also to consider the effect of the etchant on the substrate.

Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
2004

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: