ASTM B393 Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
- Type: Plate and Sheet
- R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed Niobium,
- R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed Niobium,
- R04251 (NbZr1) Type 3—Reactor grade Niobium alloy containing 1 % Zirconium.
- R04261 (NbZr1) Type 4—Commercial grade Niobium alloy containing 1 % Zirconium.
- R04220-Type 5—RRR grade pure Niobium.
ASTM B393 Niobium Plate and Sheet, and Niobium Alloy Strip, Plate and Sheet
ASTM B393 niobium sheet, plate, and strip are widely used where a combination of corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and fabrication flexibility is required. Available in common grades such as Nb1, Nb2, NbZr1, and other niobium alloys, these products perform reliably in high-temperature, vacuum, chemical, and high-purity service conditions. With excellent formability and weldability, ASTM B393 materials are a dependable choice for aerospace components, chemical equipment, superconducting parts, medical systems, and advanced industrial applications. Golden Sunbird Metals supplies ASTM B393 niobium sheet, plate, and strip with consistent quality, precise dimensions, and full traceability.
R04200-Type 1—Reactor grade unalloyed niobium
R04210-Type 2—Commercial grade unalloyed niobium
R04251 (NbZr1) Type 3—Reactor grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium
R04251 (NbZr1) Type 4—Commercial grade niobium alloy containing 1 % zirconium
R04220-Type 5—RRR grade pure niobium
ASTM B393 Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Chemical Composition (wt.%)
| Element | Type 1 (R04200) | Type 2 (R04210) | Type 3 (R04251) (NbZr1) | Type 4 (R04251) (NbZr1) | Type 5 (RRR) |
| Carbon (C) | Max 0.01% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.003% |
| Nitrogen (N) | Max 0.01% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.01% | Max 0.003% |
| Oxygen (O) | Max 0.015% | Max 0.025% | Max 0.015% | Max 0.025% | Max 0.004% |
| Hydrogen (H) | Max 0.0015% | Max 0.0015% | Max 0.0015% | Max 0.0015% | Max 0.0005% |
| Zirconium (Zr) | – | – | 0.8 to 1.2% | 0.8 to 1.2% | – |
ASTM B393 Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate Mechanical Properties and Brinell Hardness
| Grade | Ultimate Tensile Strength (min) | Yield Strength (0.2% offset, min) | Elongation (min) | Brinell Hardness (max) |
| Types 1 & 2 | 18,000 psi (125 MPa) | 10,500 psi (73 MPa) | 20% | Type 1: 90, Type 2: 125 |
| (NbZr1) Types 3 & 4 | 28,000 psi (195 MPa) | 18,000 psi (125 MPa) | 20% | Type 3: 125, Type 4: 135 |
| Type 5 (RRR) | 14,000 psi (95 MPa) | 7,200 psi (50 MPa) | 30% | Not specified |
Features
- Manufactured to ASTM B393 for wrought niobium and niobium alloy strip, sheet, and plate.
- Available in five standard grades: R04200-Type 1, R04210-Type 2, R04251-Type 3, R04261-Type 4, and R04220-Type 5.
- R04251-Type 3 and R04261-Type 4 are niobium-zirconium alloys containing approximately 1% zirconium, offering improved high-temperature strength compared with commercially pure niobium.
- Excellent resistance to aggressive chemical environments, making niobium suitable for demanding corrosion service.
- High melting temperature and good elevated-temperature performance, especially for Nb-1Zr grades used in hot-service applications.
- Low thermal neutron capture cross-section, supporting nuclear and advanced energy applications.
- Good fabricability and ductility, allowing sheet, strip, and plate to be formed into a wide range of components.
- R04220-Type 5 is ultra-high-purity niobium for superconducting applications and is not recommended for general-purpose service.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Standard | ASTM B393 niobium plate and sheet |
| Grade | R04200-Type 1, R04210-Type 2, R04251 (NbZr1)-Type 3, R04261 (NbZr1)-Type 4, R04220-Type 5 |
| Finish | Clean, bright finish, free of defects and surface imperfections |
| Type | Plate, Sheet, Strip |
| Plate | 6 in. (152.4 mm) or more in width and greater than 3/16 in. (4.76 mm) in thickness. |
| Sheet | 6 in. (152.4 mm) or more in width and from 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) to 3/16 in. (4.76 mm) in thickness |
| Strip | may be supplied in coil, less than 6 in. (152.4 mm) in width and from 0.005 in. (0.13mm) to 3/16 in. (4.76 mm) in thickness. |
| Inspection Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1 (Mill Test Certificate), EN 10204 Type 3.2 (Witness Testing or 3rd Party Inspection) |
| Test | Chemical analysis, Tensile test, Hardness test, and Microstructural examination |
Packing & Shipment
To ensure product safety during storage, handling, and international transportation, ASTM B394 niobium and niobium alloy tubes are packed with end protection and impact protection measures according to tube size, quantity, and shipping mode.
| Item | Packing / Shipment Method |
| Internal Protection | Tubes are cleaned and dried before packing, and all internal and external surfaces are kept free from contaminants. |
| Sealing Protection | Each tube or bundle is sealed in PE bags or wrapped with protective film to help prevent dust and moisture ingress. |
| Surface Protection | Tube surfaces are protected with soft wrapping paper, non-woven fabric, or foam sleeves to avoid scratching and abrasion. |
| End Protection | Both tube ends are fitted with plastic caps or plugs to prevent deformation and impact damage. |
| Bundle Packing | Shorter tubes are bundled securely, labeled clearly, and packed with cushioning materials for added stability. |
| Long Tube Packing | Longer tubes are placed in reinforced wooden crates or export pallets with internal bracing to keep them straight and protected. |
| Shock Protection | Foam padding, wooden blocking, and heavy-duty strapping are used to reduce vibration and movement during transit. |
| Moisture Control | Desiccant bags may be added inside the package when required to help maintain dry storage conditions. |
| Marking | Package labels include product name, grade, dimensions, condition, quantity, net/gross weight, heat number, and shipping marks. |
| Shipping Mode | By sea, air freight, or multimodal transport depending on order quantity and delivery requirements. |
| Documents | Packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, material test certificates, and inspection documents can be provided. |
Applications
R04200 (Type 1 – Reactor Grade Unalloyed Niobium)
- Chemical processing equipment requiring excellent corrosion resistance in aggressive media.
- Nuclear-related components where low neutron absorption and high purity are important.
- High-temperature furnace parts and vacuum-system components.
- Research and laboratory applications that require reactor-grade niobium sheet, plate, or strip.
R04210 (Type 2 – Commercial Grade Unalloyed Niobium)
- General industrial chemical equipment where corrosion resistance and formability are required.
- Fabricated parts, covers, liners, and formed components for non-critical service.
- Cost-sensitive industrial applications that do not require reactor-grade purity.
- Moderate-temperature equipment in chemical and high-vacuum environments.
R04251 (Type 3 – Reactor Grade Niobium Alloy Containing 1% Zirconium)
- Nuclear-industry components where low neutron capture and improved high-temperature performance are needed.
- High-temperature structural parts requiring better creep strength than pure niobium.
- Thermal shields and elevated-temperature service parts in vacuum or furnace systems.
- Precision-formed sheet, strip, and plate for demanding industrial and scientific applications.
R04261 (Type 4 – Commercial Grade Niobium Alloy Containing 1% Zirconium)
- Industrial high-temperature components where improved strength is needed but reactor-grade purity is not necessary.
- Thermal shields, furnace hardware, and other elevated-temperature assemblies.
- Corrosion-resistant formed parts for chemical and advanced processing equipment.
- Commercial applications requiring a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and fabricability.
R04220 (Type 5 – RRR Grade Pure Niobium)
- Superconducting applications that require ultra-high purity niobium.
- Sheet, strip, and plate for cryogenic superconducting systems and related precision components.
- Applications where maximum purity is more important than general-purpose formability.
- Not recommended for other applications beyond superconducting use.
