Technical Guide

Haynes 25 (L605): Cobalt-Based Superalloy for High-Temperature & Wear Applications

UNS R30605 / W.Nr. 2.4964 — Cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten solid-solution strengthened superalloy with outstanding oxidation resistance up to 980°C, excellent wear resistance, and proven performance in gas turbines, aerospace, and medical implants.

Haynes 25 L605 cobalt-based superalloy material - Shanghai Hangbo Alloy
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Overview

Haynes 25 (also known as L605, UNS R30605 / W.Nr. 2.4964) is a cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten solid-solution strengthened superalloy developed by Haynes International. First introduced in the 1950s for gas turbine engine components, it has become one of the most widely used cobalt-based superalloys, second only to Haynes 188 in high-temperature aerospace applications. The alloy combines excellent high-temperature strength, good oxidation resistance up to approximately 980°C (1800°F), and outstanding wear and galling resistance—properties that make it uniquely suited to both structural and tribological applications.

Unlike nickel-based precipitation-hardening superalloys such as Inconel 718 or Waspaloy, Haynes 25 derives its strength primarily from solid-solution strengthening of tungsten in the cobalt-chromium FCC matrix, supplemented by fine carbide precipitation. This mechanism provides an important advantage: the alloy retains good ductility and does not undergo the over-aging embrittlement that can affect gamma-prime strengthened alloys after prolonged high-temperature exposure. Even after thousands of hours at elevated temperatures, Haynes 25 maintains significant residual ductility, making it a reliable choice for long-life components.

The chemistry of Haynes 25 is dominated by cobalt (~50%), chromium (19-21%), tungsten (14-16%), and nickel (9-11%). Tungsten is the primary solid-solution strengthener, while chromium provides oxidation and hot corrosion resistance. Nickel is added to stabilize the FCC austenitic structure and improve fabricability. The controlled carbon content (0.05-0.15%) ensures a fine dispersion of M6C and M23C6 carbides that contribute to grain boundary pinning and wear resistance without causing embrittlement.

Haynes 25 is supplied in the solution-annealed condition, typically at 1175-1230°C followed by rapid cooling. In this condition, it exhibits a fine-grained, fully recrystallized microstructure with uniform carbide distribution. The alloy can be cold worked to increase strength, with cold reduction of 20-40% capable of doubling the yield strength. For applications requiring maximum ductility or subsequent welding, the solution-annealed condition is preferred.

Machining Haynes 25 requires rigid setups, sharp carbide or ceramic tools, and adequate coolant flow. The alloy work-hardens rapidly and produces tough, stringy chips. Low cutting speeds and positive rake angles are recommended. For complex components, rough machining in the annealed condition followed by finish machining is standard practice. Welding can be performed using GTAW, GMAW, and resistance welding with matching cobalt-base filler metals such as AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-C (AMS 5796).

At Hangbo Alloy Group, Haynes 25 is supplied per AMS 5759 (bars/forgings), AMS 5537 (sheet/plate), and ASTM F90 (surgical implant quality). We stock round bars, forgings, seamless tubes, plates, and welding wire for gas turbine manufacturers, medical device companies, and high-temperature industrial equipment builders worldwide.

Quick Specifications

R30605
2.4964
9.13 g/cm³
1329 - 1410 °C (2425 - 2570 °F)
1035 MPa (150 ksi)
380 - 460 MPa (55 - 67 ksi)
980 °C (1800 °F)
45 - 65%

Chemical Composition (ASTM F90 / AMS 5759)

The chemistry of Haynes 25 is carefully controlled to balance high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and fabricability. Tungsten provides the majority of solid-solution strengthening, chromium forms a protective oxide scale, and nickel stabilizes the austenitic structure. Carbon is intentionally maintained in the 0.05-0.15% range to form fine carbides that enhance creep strength and wear resistance without causing sensitization or embrittlement.

ElementMin %Max %
Cobalt (Co)BalanceBalance
Chromium (Cr)19.021.0
Tungsten (W)14.016.0
Nickel (Ni)9.011.0
Iron (Fe)3.00
Manganese (Mn)1.002.00
Silicon (Si)1.00
Carbon (C)0.050.15
Phosphorus (P)0.03
Sulfur (S)0.03

Physical Properties

Haynes 25 has a face-centered cubic (FCC) austenitic matrix that is stable from cryogenic temperatures up to the melting point. The high tungsten content contributes to its relatively high density (9.13 g/cm³) compared to nickel-based superalloys. The alloy is non-magnetic in all conditions. Its thermal expansion and conductivity characteristics are well-suited to high-temperature structural applications where thermal cycling is expected.

PropertyValueUnit
Density9.13g/cm³
Melting Range1329 - 1410°C
Specific Heat (21°C)385J/kg·K
Thermal Conductivity (21°C)9.4W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity (21°C)0.89μΩ·m
Modulus of Elasticity (21°C)225GPa
Mean Coeff. of Thermal Expansion (21-93°C)12.3μm/m·°C
Mean Coeff. of Thermal Expansion (21-538°C)14.4μm/m·°C
Magnetic Permeability< 1.002

Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature

Haynes 25 is supplied in the solution-annealed condition (typically 1175-1230°C, rapid quench). Unlike nickel-based superalloys, it is not age-hardenable. Strength increases are achieved through cold work, which can approximately double the yield strength with 30-40% reduction. The values below represent typical properties for sheet and bar products in the solution-annealed condition.

PropertySheet (0.04-0.08 in)Bar (1 in dia.)
Tensile Strength930 - 1000 MPa (135 - 145 ksi)1035 MPa (150 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)380 - 460 MPa (55 - 67 ksi)460 MPa (67 ksi)
Elongation in 2 inches45 - 62%65%
Hardness22 - 28 HRC22 - 28 HRC
Modulus of Elasticity225 GPa (32.6 Msi)225 GPa (32.6 Msi)

High-Temperature Mechanical Properties

Haynes 25 maintains useful strength to temperatures well above the capability of most nickel-based superalloys. At 980°C (1800°F), the alloy retains approximately 30-35 ksi tensile strength, and at 1095°C (2000°F) it still retains about 20 ksi. This exceptional strength retention is due to the high tungsten content and the stability of the cobalt-rich FCC matrix, which resists recovery and recrystallization at elevated temperatures. The data below shows short-time tensile properties for 0.109-inch sheet.

Temperature (°C)Temperature (°F)Tensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)
217093045060
31660083030580
538100073226972
649120071024435
760140058324228
871160032123830
982180023112540

Stress-Rupture Properties

Long-term creep and stress-rupture behavior is a critical design consideration for gas turbine and aerospace components. Haynes 25 exhibits a 100-hour stress-rupture strength of approximately 48 MPa (7 ksi) at 980°C. For comparison, at 870°C (1600°F), the 1000-hour rupture strength is approximately 55 MPa (8 ksi). These values, while modest in absolute terms, represent excellent performance for a solid-solution alloy at temperatures approaching 1000°C.

Temperature (°C)Temperature (°F)100-hr Rupture Stress (MPa)1000-hr Rupture Stress (MPa)
6491200255195
7321350150105
81615009565
87116007048
98218004830

Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance

The high chromium content (19-21%) in Haynes 25 provides effective oxidation resistance by forming a continuous, adherent Cr2O3 protective scale. The alloy performs well in oxidizing environments up to approximately 980°C (1800°F) for continuous service. Unlike Haynes 188, which includes a lanthanum addition for enhanced scale adhesion, Haynes 25 relies on its balanced Cr/W ratio for oxidation protection. For the most demanding oxidation service above 1000°C, Haynes 188 is often preferred, but for applications where strength and wear resistance are the primary concerns, Haynes 25 is the better choice.

Resistance to Specific Environments:

  • Oxidizing Atmospheres: Forms a protective Cr2O3 scale. Performs well in air and combustion gases up to 980°C. Intermittent heating/cooling cycles may cause some scale spallation, though less severe than in nickel-based alloys due to better thermal expansion match between oxide and substrate.
  • Sulfidation Resistance: The high chromium content and the inherent sulfidation resistance of cobalt-base alloys give Haynes 25 good resistance to sulfur-containing atmospheres, making it suitable for gas turbine environments where sulfur-bearing fuels are used.
  • Carburization Resistance: Moderate resistance due to chromium oxide scale formation. However, the alloy is not specifically designed for highly carburizing environments; Incoloy 800H or HP-modified alloys are better choices for severe carburization service.
  • Aqueous Corrosion: In room-temperature aqueous environments, Haynes 25 offers corrosion resistance similar to Type 304 stainless steel. It is not recommended for strongly reducing acids or chloride-rich aqueous environments where pitting may occur.
  • Galling and Wear Resistance: One of the standout properties of Haynes 25 is its excellent resistance to galling and adhesive wear, even at elevated temperatures. This makes it a preferred choice for bearings, wear rings, and sliding components in high-temperature machinery.

Heat Treatment

Haynes 25 is a solid-solution strengthened alloy and does not respond to age hardening. The standard heat treatment is solution annealing at 1175-1230°C (2150-2250°F) followed by rapid cooling (water quench or air cool, depending on section thickness). This treatment dissolves carbides, produces a uniform fine-grained microstructure, and optimizes ductility for forming or welding.

  • Solution Annealing (AMS 5759): Heat to 1175-1230°C, hold for a time appropriate to section thickness (typically 30-60 minutes), then rapidly cool. This is the standard supply condition.
  • Stress Relief: For welded or heavily cold-worked components, stress relief at 650-760°C for 1-2 hours followed by air cooling can reduce residual stresses without significantly affecting mechanical properties.
  • Cold Work + Anneal: For increased strength, cold work (10-40% reduction) can be applied. Subsequent annealing at lower temperatures can provide partial stress relief while retaining some cold-work strengthening.

Applications

Haynes 25 occupies a unique position in the superalloy landscape. It bridges the gap between high-temperature structural alloys (like Inconel 718 and Waspaloy) and wear-resistant cobalt alloys (like Stellite). This dual capability—high-temperature strength plus wear resistance—opens a broad range of applications across aerospace, power generation, medical, and industrial sectors.

  • Aerospace & Gas Turbines: Combustion chambers, afterburner liners, flame holders, transition ducts, turbine rings, nozzle guide vanes, and high-temperature seals. The alloy's resistance to thermal fatigue and oxidation in cyclic service is particularly valued.
  • Medical Implants: Surgical implant devices per ASTM F90, including orthopedic implants, bone plates, screws, stents, heart valve components, and dental prosthetics. The alloy's biocompatibility, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance in body fluids make it a preferred material for long-term implantable devices.
  • High-Temperature Bearings & Wear Components: Bearing races, balls, wear rings, bushings, and valve seats operating at elevated temperatures where conventional bearing steels lose hardness. The alloy's inherent galling resistance eliminates the need for surface coatings in many applications.
  • Furnace Hardware: Muffles, radiant tubes, baskets, trays, and fixtures for heat treatment furnaces operating in the 800-1000°C range. The combination of oxidation resistance and creep strength provides long service life under thermal cycling.
  • Nuclear Applications: Selected reactor internal components where cobalt-base alloys are acceptable and high-temperature strength plus wear resistance are required.

Haynes 25 vs. Haynes 188 — Key Differences

Engineers frequently compare Haynes 25 (L605) and Haynes 188 since both are cobalt-based solid-solution strengthened superalloys with similar chromium and nickel content. The table below highlights the critical differences:

FeatureHaynes 25 (L605)Haynes 188
UNS NumberR30605R30188
Tungsten Content14-16%13-15%
Manganese Content1-2%≤1.25%
Lanthanum AdditionNone0.02-0.12%
Oxidation ResistanceGood up to 980°CSuperior up to 1095°C
Strength at 980°CSlightly higherSlightly lower
Wear ResistanceExcellentGood
Medical GradeASTM F90Not typically used
Best ForStrength + wear applicationsMaximum oxidation resistance

Available Product Forms

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Haynes 25 in a comprehensive range of product forms with full material test certification. Our supply scope includes:

  • Round Bars: AMS 5759, ASTM F90, diameters 6 mm to 350 mm, hot-rolled, forged, or cold-drawn, solution annealed.
  • Forgings: Custom open-die forgings, rings, and discs per AMS 5759, with ultrasonic and dye penetrant inspection available.
  • Seamless Tubes: AMS 5537, OD 6 mm to 219 mm, for high-temperature instrumentation, hydraulic lines, and gas turbine cooling systems.
  • Plates & Sheets: AMS 5537, thickness 0.5 mm to 50 mm, for combustion chamber fabrication and heat shields.
  • Strips & Foils: Precision-rolled strips for medical device manufacturing, gaskets, and honeycomb seals.
  • Welding Wire: AMS 5796 (AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-C), precision layer-wound spools for GTAW and GMAW of Haynes 25 components.

Related Standards

StandardDescription
ASTM F90Surgical Implant Applications (Wrought Co-Cr-W-Ni Alloy)
AMS 5759Bars, Forgings, and Rings, Solution Heat Treated
AMS 5537Sheet, Strip, and Plate, Solution Heat Treated
AMS 5796Welding Wire, Cobalt Base (Co-20Cr-15W-10Ni)
AMS 5797Welding Wire, Cobalt Base, Covered Electrodes
AWS A5.14ERCoCr-C Welding Electrodes and Rods
GB/T 14992Chinese Standard: GH5605 (GH605) Equivalent Grade
ISO 5832-5Implants for Surgery — Wrought Cobalt-Chromium-Tungsten-Nickel

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Haynes 25 (L605)?

Haynes 25 (also known as L605, UNS R30605 / W.Nr. 2.4964) is a cobalt-nickel-chromium-tungsten solid-solution strengthened superalloy. It combines excellent high-temperature strength with good oxidation resistance up to 980°C (1800°F). Unlike precipitation-hardening nickel alloys, it derives its strength from tungsten solid-solution strengthening and carbide formation, maintaining ductility after long-term high-temperature exposure. The Chinese equivalent grade is GH5605 (GH605).

Q2: What is the chemical composition of Haynes 25 / L605?

The nominal composition is: Cobalt (Co) balance (~50%), Chromium (Cr) 19-21%, Tungsten (W) 14-16%, Nickel (Ni) 9-11%, Iron (Fe) ≤3%, Manganese (Mn) 1-2%, Silicon (Si) ≤1%, Carbon (C) 0.05-0.15%. This unique cobalt-tungsten-chromium combination provides solid-solution strength and oxidation resistance without requiring precipitation hardening.

Q3: What is the density and melting point of Haynes 25?

The density of Haynes 25 is 9.13 g/cm³ (0.330 lb/in³), which is higher than most nickel-based superalloys due to the significant tungsten content (14-16%). The melting range is 1329-1410°C (2425-2570°F). This wide melting range is typical of multi-component alloys and requires careful control during casting and welding.

Q4: What are the room temperature mechanical properties of Haynes 25?

In solution-annealed condition, typical properties for sheet are: tensile strength 930-1000 MPa (135-145 ksi), yield strength 380-460 MPa (55-67 ksi), elongation 45-62%. For bar products, tensile strength is approximately 1035 MPa (150 ksi) with elongation of 65%. Cold working can approximately double the yield strength with 30-40% reduction.

Q5: What is the maximum service temperature of Haynes 25?

Haynes 25 maintains good oxidation resistance for continuous service up to 980°C (1800°F). For short-term exposure, it can withstand temperatures up to 1095°C (2000°F). At 980°C, the 100-hour stress-rupture strength is approximately 48 MPa (7 ksi). The alloy retains approximately 30-35 ksi tensile strength at 980°C.

Q6: Can Haynes 25 be welded?

Yes, Haynes 25 has good weldability using GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), resistance welding, electron beam welding, and laser welding. Matching filler metal per AMS 5796 / AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-C should be used. Pre-weld solution annealing and post-weld stress relief at 650-760°C are recommended to minimize distortion. The alloy's solid-solution strengthening mechanism means it does not suffer from strain-age cracking during welding, unlike many precipitation-hardening nickel alloys.

Q7: What are the key applications of Haynes 25?

Major applications include: gas turbine combustion chambers and afterburner components; aerospace thermal protection systems and fasteners; medical implants and surgical devices per ASTM F90 (orthopedic implants, stents, dental prosthetics); high-temperature bearings, wear rings, and bushings; furnace hardware such as muffles, radiant tubes, and heat treatment fixtures; and nuclear reactor internal components where cobalt alloys are acceptable.

Q8: What standards cover Haynes 25 / L605?

Key standards include: ASTM F90 (surgical implants), AMS 5759 (bars, forgings, rings), AMS 5537 (sheet, strip, plate), AMS 5796 (welding wire), AMS 5797 (covered electrodes), AWS A5.14 ERCoCr-C, ISO 5832-5 (surgical implants), and GB/T 14992 for the Chinese equivalent grade GH5605 (GH605).

Q9: What is the difference between Haynes 25 and Haynes 188?

The key difference is that Haynes 188 contains 0.02-0.12% lanthanum (La) for enhanced oxidation resistance through improved scale adhesion, while Haynes 25 does not. Haynes 25 has slightly higher tungsten (14-16% vs 13-15%) and higher manganese (1-2% vs ≤1.25%). As a result, Haynes 188 offers better oxidation resistance above 1000°C, while Haynes 25 is preferred for applications prioritizing strength and wear resistance. Haynes 25 also has an ASTM F90 medical-grade specification that Haynes 188 lacks.

Q10: What product forms are available for Haynes 25?

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Haynes 25 in: round bars (6-350 mm dia.), custom forgings and rings, seamless tubes (6-219 mm OD), plates and sheets (0.5-50 mm), precision strips and foils, and welding wire per AMS 5796. All products include full material test certificates (MTC) and can be supplied with ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant inspection, and third-party certification.

Q11: What is the price range of Haynes 25?

As a premium cobalt-based superalloy with high cobalt (~50%) and tungsten (14-16%) content, Haynes 25 is generally more expensive than nickel-based superalloys. Typical pricing ranges from $55-95 per kg, depending on product form, quantity, and specifications. Bar products are typically at the lower end, while precision strip and medical-grade material command premiums. Mill-direct purchasing from Hangbo Alloy Group can reduce costs significantly compared to distributor pricing.

Q12: Is Haynes 25 magnetic?

No, Haynes 25 is non-magnetic in all conditions. The alloy has a stable face-centered cubic (FCC) austenitic structure with magnetic permeability less than 1.002. This property is important for medical implant applications (MRI compatibility) and certain electronic and instrumentation applications where magnetic interference must be avoided.

Contact Us for Haynes 25 (L605)

Hangbo Alloy Group maintains mill-direct supply of Haynes 25 round bars, forgings, tubes, plates, and welding wire per AMS 5759, AMS 5537, and ASTM F90 specifications. Our technical team can assist with material selection, heat treatment specification, NDT requirements, and export documentation. We support customers in gas turbine manufacturing, medical device production, and high-temperature industrial applications with reliable quality and competitive pricing.

For quotations, material certifications, or technical consultation, contact our sales team or call +86-136-1165-6360. We typically respond within 10 minutes.

Need Haynes 25 (L605) Material?

Request a quotation for Haynes 25 round bars, forgings, tubes, or plates per AMS 5759 and ASTM F90. We stock standard sizes and accept custom orders.