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FERRO NIOBIUM
Westbrook Resources supplies and distributes Ferro Niobium worldwide. Our Ferro Niobium has the following chemical analysis: Low Aluminium grades are also available.
Standard Material | % |
|---|---|
Nb | 63-68% |
Al | 2% max |
Si | 3% max |
C | 0.2% max |
Ferro Niobium Packing & Sizing Options
We offer flexible sizing and packing options with our Ferro Niobium. Our material can be packed in drums on pallets or in 1 metric ton bags. We also provide various sizing options, detailed in our sizing section below.
When placing an enquiry for Ferro Niobium, please specify your preferred packaging and sizing requirements.
Packing
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Drums on a pallet
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1mt bags
Sizing
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1-5mm
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3-15mm
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5-50mm
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10-50mm
About Ferro Niobium
Ferro Niobium is an alloy formed by combining Iron and Niobium with a Niobium content range of 60-70%. Ferro Niobium is the number one alloying agent used for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel and Ferro Niobium has captured 80% of the world market in HSLA.
Ferro Niobium additives to HSLA steel (as well as to stainless steel) can be found in oil and gas pipelines, automotive bodies, tools, ship hulls, railroad tracks and a host of other specialist applications. Since Ferro Niobium can effectively double the strength and toughness, as well as reduce the weight of the alloy, it is a highly desirable compound.
Production
Niobium is first mined from Pyrochlore deposits and is then processed into Niobium Pentoxide (Nbâ‚‚Oâ‚…). This oxide is mixed with Iron Oxide as well as Aluminium, and then reduced in an aluminothermy reaction to Niobium and Iron. The resulting Ferro Niobium is purified by electron-beam melting, or used as is. For alloying with steel, Ferro Niobium is added to molten steel before casting.
Uses
The largest practical application of Ferro Niobium is in the alloying process of HSLA steel. This steel is then in turn used in automobiles and trucks, bridges, construction cranes, amusement park rides and any other structure that needs to handle a large amount of stress or needs a good strength-to-weight ratio. It is also used in vacuum-grade products for super alloy applications, such as land-based and jet aircraft engine turbine blades.
Key Properties
Ferro Niobium is an additive to the production process of amorphous metals, and will impart several desirable properties upon the resulting compound. One of the primary benefits of adding Ferro Niobium to an alloy is in its anti-corrosive properties (better than carbon steel). Additionally, the adding of Ferro Niobium to an alloy can make it more weldable and much stronger.
With the addition of other elements such as Zirconium, Ferro Niobium-produced steel is perfect for directionally sensitive applications such as suspension bridges. Most SAE grade steels are Ferro Niobium treated, as Ferro Niobium increases high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, creep resistance, as well as reducing erosion at higher temperatures.
Why Choose Westbrook Resources for Ferro Niobium?
Westbrook Resources are strategically positioned with storage facilities in the United Kingdom, Africa, Europe, and North America, enabling us to distribute Ferro Niobium globally.
Our commitment as a long-term partner is reflected in our dedication to ensuring:
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Continuity of Supply
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Consistent Quality
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Highly Competitive Pricing
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Timely Deliveries
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World Class Service
As trusted suppliers of Ferro Niobium, we excel in meeting urgent customer needs, utilising our expansive global distribution network to support industries worldwide.
Westbrook Resources are ISO 9001 compliant, Authorised Economic Operator accredited, hold numerous REACH registrations both in the UK and the EU and have several Turkish KKDIK pre-registrations. We have fiscal representation in several countries to facilitate deliveries direct to your plant.
Contact Us
Our dedicated team is here to help you meet all of your Ferro Niobium supply needs. ​
Contact us today to discuss your Ferro Niobium requirements and experience the difference of working with a reliable and experienced supplier in the industry.
Ferro Niobium FAQs
Where does Niobium come from?
Worldwide production and mining of Niobium (Nb) mainly comes from Brazil (servicing 92% of global demand) followed by Canada (6%). The remaining 2% of production comes from Russia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Nigeria, Burundi, China, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Uganda even though there are many other Niobium deposits in other countries.
The majority of Niobium is used to produce Ferro Niobium.
Why is Ferro Niobium important to the EU?
The European Union (EU) have classified Ferro Niobium as a critical raw material, “not only due to its supply risk but also due to its economic importance for the EU and limited substitutability by other raw materials“ (Source: Eurostat - “International trade in critical raw materials”). The EU is heavily dependent on imports of Ferro Niobium as production in the EU is small and involves processing rather than mining.
The forecast demand for Ferro Niobium is expected to continue rising (at an annual growth rate of 8% according to the EU).
What are the key benefits of using Ferro Niobium in alloys?
Adding ferro niobium to alloys, particularly steel, significantly boosts strength by refining the grain structure, which also enhances corrosion resistance. It improves weldability, reducing the risk of cracks during welding, making the alloy more durable and reliable for high-performance applications in industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction.
