Overview
Stellite 6 Powder is a versatile, high-performance alloy powder renowned for its excellent wear, corrosion, and heat resistance. Composed primarily of cobalt with added chromium, tungsten, and carbon, Stellite 6 is frequently applied in industries where durability and strength are critical, such as aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and manufacturing. This guide explores the ins and outs of Stellite 6 Powder, including key specifications, models, applications, and a detailed comparison with other alloys.
Composition of Stellite 6 Powder
Stellite 6 is a cobalt-based alloy powder that combines high amounts of chromium, carbon, and tungsten. This unique combination provides the alloy with excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and high temperatures, making it highly sought after in extreme operating environments. Let’s break down the composition and how each element contributes to its performance.
| Element | Percentage Composition | Role in Stellite 6 Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | 50-60% | Base metal, provides high strength, toughness, and temperature stability. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 25-30% | Enhances corrosion resistance, hardness, and oxidation resistance. |
| Tungsten (W) | 4-5% | Adds wear resistance and increases hardness. |
| Carbon (C) | 1-2% | Contributes to hardness and wear resistance through carbide formation. |
Characteristics of Stellite 6 Powder
The unique composition of Stellite 6 Powder gives it remarkable properties, especially for high-temperature and abrasive environments. Let’s dive into the characteristics that make it stand out:
- Wear Resistance: Due to its high tungsten and carbon content, Stellite 6 forms hard carbides that provide wear resistance. It can withstand abrasive and erosive wear, extending the lifespan of components.
- Corrosion Resistance: The presence of chromium protects against corrosion, making Stellite 6 suitable for applications in harsh chemical and saltwater environments.
- Thermal Stability: Cobalt is known for its excellent high-temperature stability, allowing Stellite 6 Powder to maintain strength and hardness even at elevated temperatures.
- Hardness: Stellite 6 typically offers a hardness of 40-46 HRC (Rockwell Hardness), which further enhances its wear-resistant qualities.
Top Models of Stellite 6 Powder
Various Stellite 6 models are tailored to specific industrial applications. Below are some popular Stellite 6 powder options, each with unique properties suited to different uses:
| Model | Key Features | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Stellite 6B | Superior wear resistance, ideal hardness | Pumps, valves, cutters, bearing surfaces |
| Stellite 6C | Enhanced corrosion and impact resistance | High-impact machinery, marine equipment |
| Stellite 6B-GS | High wear resistance with granular structure | Spraying applications, wear-resistant coatings |
| Stellite 6M | Higher thermal stability | High-temperature tools, gas turbines, industrial blades |
| Stellite 6A | Balanced wear and impact resistance | General purpose for automotive and aerospace components |
| Stellite 6B-CF | Cored wire format for easy application | Weld overlay, protective coatings |
| Stellite 706 | Enhanced hardness, extreme environments | Hard-facing, heavy machinery parts |
| Stellite 720 | Improved erosion resistance | Sand-blasting machinery, erosion-prone equipment |
| Stellite 6LC | Lower carbon for more ductility | Thin parts requiring flexibility and impact resistance |
| Stellite 6VS | High hardness, vacuum melting | Aerospace, vacuum-sensitive environments |
Applications of Stellite 6 Powder
Stellite 6 Powder is highly regarded in a variety of industries due to its robustness. Below is a table summarizing the key applications across different sectors.
| Industry | Applications | Reasons for Use |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Turbine blades, engine components | High-temperature and wear resistance |
| Automotive | Valves, camshafts, rocker arms | High wear resistance and durability |
| Oil & Gas | Drill bits, valve seats, seals | Corrosion resistance in abrasive environments |
| Medical | Surgical instruments, dental tools | Corrosion-resistant and biocompatible |
| Power Generation | Boiler components, wear-resistant parts | Temperature stability, long wear life |
| Manufacturing | Cutting tools, dies, molds | Extreme durability and abrasion resistance |
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Specifications of Stellite 6 Powder Models
The specifications of Stellite 6 Powder models vary based on intended use and format. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing the right model:
| Specification | Stellite 6B | Stellite 6C | Stellite 6M | Stellite 6A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (HRC) | 40-46 | 44-47 | 38-44 | 40-45 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.4 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1260-1350 | 1250-1340 | 1255-1345 | 1258-1352 |
| Coating Thickness | 0.5-3 mm | 0.5-4 mm | 0.3-2.5 mm | 0.4-3 mm |
Suppliers and Pricing
Here are some well-known suppliers of Stellite 6 Powder, along with pricing ranges (as of the latest data). Note that prices may vary based on order volume, location, and specific requirements.
| Supplier | Location | Price Range (per kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Kennametal | USA, Worldwide | $150 – $300 |
| H.C. Starck | Germany, USA | $200 – $350 |
| Deloro Stellite | USA, Europe | $180 – $330 |
| Oerlikon Metco | Global | $170 – $320 |
| Praxair Surface Tech | North America | $160 – $310 |
Comparing Stellite 6 Powder with Other Alloys
Stellite 6 Powder often goes head-to-head with alloys like Hastelloy, Inconel, and Tungsten Carbide. Here’s a comparative look at their advantages and disadvantages.
| Alloy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Stellite 6 | Excellent wear, heat, and corrosion resistance | Higher cost, more specialized |
| Hastelloy | Superior corrosion resistance | Not as wear-resistant, limited temperature stability |
| Inconel | High temperature and corrosion resistance | Lower wear resistance than Stellite |
| Tungsten Carbide | Extreme hardness and wear resistance | Brittleness, less corrosion-resistant |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Stellite 6 Powder used for? | Stellite 6 Powder is used in applications requiring high wear, corrosion, and heat resistance, including cutting tools, valve seats, and turbine parts. |
| How hard is Stellite 6? | Stellite 6 typically has a hardness between 40-46 HRC, which gives it excellent wear resistance. |
| Is Stellite 6 Powder expensive? | Yes, it is generally more expensive than basic alloys due to its specialized properties, but it offers great value for demanding applications. |
| What industries use Stellite 6? | Industries like aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, power generation, and medical rely heavily on Stellite 6 for its durability and resistance. |
| How does Stellite 6 compare to Inconel? | While both alloys offer heat and corrosion resistance, Stellite 6 excels in wear resistance, making it suitable for high-abrasion environments. |
