Tantalum is a rare, hard, refractory metal. Unlike tungsten and molybdenum, tantalum is fabricated by melting just like common metals. Therefore, machinability is also similar to that of common metals. However, due to its high work-hardening tendency, it is important to machine it with tools which have sharp cutting edges to minimize cutting forces and heat generated during machining. Dull tools causes a great deal of damage and scuffing of the machined surface.

Although tantalum has a number of interesting properties such as high temperature strength, anti-oxidation property and high corrosion resistance, its applications tend to be limited to small-sized components due to its expensiveness.