Niobium is a lustrous silver-coloured metal which occurs naturally as ores in the Earth’s crust. Originally discovered in 1801 by English chemist Charles Hatchett, there was some confusion over the metal’s relationship to tantalum, from which it takes its name – Niobe being the daughter of Tantalus, the Greek Mythological figure who tantalum was named after.
Today, niobium is commonly used as a component in high-quality alloys like the supersteel alloys used in spacecraft and rockets, the superconductors used in MRI scanners and the strong, durable steel used in the construction of intercontinental pipelines. Pure niobium may be used as a component of high-powered sodium vapour lights, or, as it is non-toxic, biologically inert and hypoallergenic, it may also be used for its beautiful appearance in jewellery and coins, or incorporated into medical equipment and implants.
Niobium sheets are commonly used as blanks for the creation of more complex components or end products, like the medical implants mentioned above, or they can be drawn into wire or incorporated into the superconducting magnets used in medical scanning equipment. Niobium sheets are also the perfect starting point for the creation of the high-tech alloys which niobium is famed for, allowing precise amounts to be cut for use in the alloys.
Niobium sheets have a huge range of uses in engineering and industry, manufacturing and metallurgy – for more information or to request a quote for niobium sheeting, don’t hesitate to contact Special Metals on +86-755-29936699 today! Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form on this page and one of our experts will be in touch – either way, the specialists at Special Metals UK will be happy to help you find the perfect niobium sheets for the job.
