At Special Metals UK, we are able to make a wide range of niobium bars for use in any application. Niobium in its pure form is a relatively soft, lustrous grey metal, and it is most commonly used in alloys with other metals to create high-quality stainless steel, advanced superconductors and superalloys used in jet engines and other high-intensity applications.
Originally named columbium after the poetic name for the United States of America, Columbia, there was some confusion between tantalum and the new element, which eventually led to the newly-identified metal being renamed Niobium in its honour, after Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus in Greek myths.
Originally only used in incandescent light filaments, Niobium is now mainly used for its incredible ability to improve the strength of steel, vastly improving the qualities of steel to which it is added. Niobium steel is the primary component of oil and gas pipelines and industrial stainless steel, but when added to other metals, such as tin, high-quality superconductors can be made, like those found in MRI scanners and other powerful medical scanning equipment.
Thanks to these unique properties, many high-tech industries make heavy use of niobium bars as crucial components which allow them to push the boundaries of materials science and metallurgy, and niobium bars have been at the forefront of the technology industry for almost 100 years.
The niobium bars available from Special Metals UK are commonly used in alloying to create supersteels and performance alloys, and thanks to niobium’s inert, hypoallergenic and non-toxic nature, they are a key component in medical equipment and implants like pacemakers and prosthetics. Niobium bars are also a key component in many coins and jewellery items, or can be drawn out into wire for superconductors and electromagnets.
For more information on the niobium bars available from Special Metals UK, you can call our specialists at any time on 01268 820409 or use the contact form on this page to submit a request! The metals experts at Special Metals will be happy to help you find niobium bars that are perfect for your needs.
