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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
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