In actual fact, niobium, like all other metals, is gray. However, by applying a passifying oxide layer, we allow our metal to gleam in a beautiful array of colors. But niobium is not just pretty to look at. Like tantalum, it is resistant against many chemicals and can be easily formed even at low temperatures.

Niobium is special because this high level of resistance is achieved at a relatively low weight. We use this material to manufacture coin inserts of all colors, corrosion-resistant evaporation boats for use in coating technology, and dimensionally stable crucibles for diamond growth. Thanks to its high level of biocompatibility, niobium is also used as a material for implants. Thanks to its high transition temperature, niobium is the perfect material for superconducting cables and magnets.

Of coins and diamonds. Applications for niobium.

The applications for which our niobium is used are as diverse as the properties of the material itself. We briefly present two of these below:

Precious and glowing with color.

When used in coin production, our niobium can be seen in its very best light. An anodizing process forms a thin oxide layer on the niobium core. The refraction of the incident light causes the layer to shine in a range of different colors. We can influence these colors by modifying the thickness of the layer. From red to blue: Any color is possible.

Excellent formability and resistance.

Its high level of resistance and excellent formability make niobium the perfect material for the crucibles used to manufacture synthetic polycrystalline diamonds (PCD). Our niobium crucibles are used for the high-pressure, high-temperature synthesis.