Corrosion Resistant Stellite Alloy 6 Low Ductility for Cutting Tools

Stellite 6 Alloy Offers Exceptional Wear, Corrosion Resistance, And High-Temperature Stability.

Stellite 6 Alloy is a high-performance, cobalt-based alloy renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain hardness at elevated temperatures. It is extensively utilized in demanding industrial applications where durability and resistance to harsh environments are critical.

Detailed Product Description:

Stellite 6 Alloy combines the robustness of cobalt with elements like chromium, tungsten, and carbon to deliver superior mechanical and chemical properties. This alloy is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for applications that involve high wear, abrasive environments, and exposure to corrosive substances.

Chemical Composition:

Stellite 6 Alloy is characterized by its specific blend of alloying elements, which contribute to its outstanding performance:

• Cobalt (Co): 52-58% – Acts as the base metal, providing high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.
• Chromium (Cr): 29-33% – Enhances oxidation resistance and improves overall corrosion resistance.
• Tungsten (W): 6-9% – Increases hardness and wear resistance.
• Carbon (C): 1.4-2.2% – Forms carbides that significantly improve hardness and strength.
• Nickel (Ni): ≤2% – Enhances toughness and contributes to corrosion resistance.
• Iron (Fe): ≤2% – Minor addition to control certain mechanical properties.
• Manganese (Mn): ≤1% – Improves strength and hardness.
• Silicon (Si): ≤1% – Aids in deoxidation during the alloy’s production.
• Other Elements: Trace amounts of elements like phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) to control specific properties.

Mechanical Properties:

Stellite 6 Alloy exhibits a combination of high strength, hardness, and durability, making it suitable for various challenging applications:

• Hardness: 58-64 HRC – Provides excellent wear resistance and surface durability.
• Tensile Strength: Approximately 1,100-1,200 MPa – Ensures the alloy can withstand significant mechanical stresses.
• Yield Strength: ≥700 MPa – Offers reliable resistance to deformation under load.
• Elongation: ≤10% – Indicates limited ductility, suitable for applications where deformation is minimal.
• Density: 8.4 g/cm³ – Ensures a robust yet manageable weight for heavy-duty applications.
• Impact Toughness: Moderate – Balances hardness with some degree of toughness, though it is less ductile compared to softer alloys.

Corrosion and Wear Resistance:

Stellite 6 Alloy excels in resisting various forms of degradation:

• Wear Resistance: Outstanding resistance to abrasive and adhesive wear, making it ideal for cutting tools, dies, and wear parts.
• Corrosion Resistance: Superior resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including acids, alkalis, and salt solutions, even at elevated temperatures.
• Oxidation Resistance: Maintains integrity in high-temperature oxidizing environments, preventing scaling and degradation.

Applications:

Due to its superior properties, Stellite 6 Alloy is employed in numerous industries and applications:

• Cutting Tools: Used in the manufacture of cutting blades, knives, and tooling components that require high wear resistance.
• Valve Seats and Bearings: Ideal for environments where low friction and high wear resistance are essential.
• Aerospace Components: Applied in parts exposed to extreme temperatures and mechanical stresses, such as turbine blades and engine components.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Utilized in downhole tools, valves, and piping systems that encounter harsh, corrosive environments.
• Marine Applications: Suitable for marine environments due to its excellent resistance to seawater corrosion.
• Industrial Machinery: Employed in machinery parts that experience high wear and require long service life.

Heat Treatment:

Stellite 6 Alloy is typically supplied in as-cast or wrought forms and can undergo specific heat treatments to optimize its properties:

• Solution Annealing: Improves corrosion resistance and relieves internal stresses.
• Aging: Enhances hardness and strength by precipitating carbides.
• Hardening: Achieves maximum hardness and wear resistance through controlled cooling processes.

Summary:

Stellite 6 Alloy is a high-performance, cobalt-based alloy engineered for applications demanding exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability. Its robust chemical composition and versatile mechanical properties make it ideal for use in cutting tools, aerospace components, oil and gas equipment, and various industrial machinery. The alloy's ability to maintain its integrity and performance in extreme conditions ensures its reliability and longevity in critical applications.