Technical Guide

Stellite 6B: Wear-Resistant Cobalt Alloy Properties & Industrial Applications

UNS R30006 / W.Nr. 2.4882 — Chemical composition, mechanical properties, temperature limits, corrosion resistance, and applications for engineers and procurement professionals.

Stellite 6B cobalt-based wear-resistant alloy plate and valve component material
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Overview

Stellite 6B (UNS R30006 / W.Nr. 2.4882) is a wrought cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy renowned for its exceptional resistance to wear, galling, cavitation, and corrosion. Developed by Haynes International, it is the wrought counterpart to the cast Stellite 6 grade and offers a unique combination of toughness and hardness that makes it ideal for components subjected to sliding wear, erosion, and thermal shock. With approximately 30% chromium and 4.5% tungsten in a cobalt matrix, Stellite 6B retains useful hardness and strength at temperatures up to 815 °C.

Quick Specifications

R30006
2.4882
8.39 g/cm3
1280-1395 °C
1010 MPa
655 MPa
870 °C (1600 °F)
7%

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Stellite 6B is carefully controlled to balance high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and fabricability. The primary strengthening and corrosion-resisting elements are tightly specified in applicable aerospace and ASTM standards.

ElementMin %Max %
Cobalt (Co)BalanceBalance
Chromium (Cr)28.032.0
Tungsten (W)3.505.50
Nickel (Ni)3.0
Iron (Fe)3.0
Carbon (C)0.901.40
Manganese (Mn)2.0
Silicon (Si)2.0
Molybdenum (Mo)1.50
Phosphorus (P)0.04
Sulfur (S)0.03

Physical Properties

Stellite 6B exhibits a stable microstructure that retains useful physical properties across a wide temperature range, supporting its use in thermally cyclic and high-temperature applications.

PropertyValueUnit
Density8.39g/cm3
Melting Point1280-1395°C
Specific Heat (21 °C)372J/kg·K
Thermal Conductivity (21 °C)14.8W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity (21 °C)0.90μΩ·m
Modulus of Elasticity (21 °C)250GPa
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (21-538 °C)14.2μm/m·°C

Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature

Mechanical properties depend on product form and heat treatment condition. Values below represent typical solution-treated and aged bar or forging stock.

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength1010 MPa (147 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)655 MPa (95 ksi)
Elongation in 2 inches7%
Hardness (Rockwell C)38-44 HRC
Hardness (annealed)33-43 HRC
Izod Impact Strength30 J

High-Temperature Mechanical Properties

Stellite 6B maintains high strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for gas turbine hot-section and aerospace structural components.

Temperature (°C)Tensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)
21 (Room)10106557
3168955658
4278605209
53876045010
64965538011
76045027514

Corrosion Resistance

Stellite 6B provides reliable corrosion resistance in a range of aggressive environments. Performance is governed by the alloy's chromium, molybdenum, cobalt, and nickel contents and by the protective surface oxides formed during service.

Resistance to Specific Media:

  • Oxidation Resistance: Forms a protective chromia scale; serviceable in air to approximately 815-870 °C for short-term exposure.
  • Sulfidation Resistance: Excellent resistance to sulfidation and hot corrosion in combustion gases containing sulfur.
  • Acid Environments: Good resistance to nitric acid, organic acids, and weak reducing acids; limited use in strong HCl.
  • Seawater / Chloride: Resists cavitation erosion and galvanic corrosion in marine pump and valve applications.
  • Galling / Fretting: Outstanding resistance to metal-to-metal wear and galling against stainless and carbon steels.

Applications

The combination of high strength, temperature capability, and environmental resistance makes Stellite 6B suitable for demanding industrial and aerospace applications:

  • Oil & Gas: Valve seats, balls, gates, plugs, and trim components for high-pressure, abrasive, and corrosive wellhead service.
  • Power Generation: Steam turbine erosion shields, boiler feed pump bushings, and valve seats in coal-fired and combined-cycle plants.
  • Chemical Processing: Pump shafts, sleeves, bearings, and mixer components handling slurries and corrosive chemicals.
  • Aerospace: Turbine blade shrouds, seal rings, and bearing surfaces exposed to high-temperature oxidation and fretting.
  • Mining & Cement: Crusher liners, extrusion dies, and wear plates subjected to abrasive particle erosion.
  • Food & Pharmaceutical: Knife blades, cutting edges, and high-wear tooling requiring corrosion resistance and non-magnetic behavior.

Available Product Forms

Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures and supplies Stellite 6B in the following product forms, conforming to ASTM, AMS, and other applicable specifications:

  • Flat Plates & Sheets: ASTM F90, AMS 5894, thickness 1.5 mm to 50 mm, hot-rolled and surface-ground.
  • Round Bars & Rods: ASTM F90, diameters 6 mm to 200 mm, forged or hot-rolled, annealed or cold-worked.
  • Custom Forgings: Rings, discs, valve seats, and wear components per customer drawing.
  • Welding Consumables: Stellite 6 hardfacing rods and wires for overlay welding on steel substrates.

Related Standards

StandardDescription
ASTM F90Wrought Cobalt-28Chromium-6Molybdenum Prosthesis Alloy (composition basis for Stellite 6B)
AMS 5894Cobalt Alloy Bars, Forgings, and Rings
AWS A5.13 / A5.21Surfacing electrodes and rods for hardfacing applications
DIN 2.4882Wrought cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy bar and plate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stellite 6B?

Stellite 6B is a wrought cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy valued for its outstanding wear, galling, and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to about 815 °C.

What is the hardness of Stellite 6B?

Typical as-supplied hardness is 38-44 HRC; annealed material ranges from 33-43 HRC depending on cross-section and processing.

What are the main elements in Stellite 6B?

Cobalt is balanced with approximately 28-32% chromium, 3.5-5.5% tungsten, up to 3% nickel and iron, and 0.9-1.4% carbon.

Which standards cover Stellite 6B?

ASTM F90, AMS 5894, AWS A5.13/A5.21 for hardfacing, and DIN W.Nr. 2.4882.

Can Stellite 6B be machined?

It is difficult to machine conventionally; grinding, EDM, and specialized carbide tooling are preferred. Finish grinding is the most common sizing method.

What is the maximum service temperature?

Short-term exposure up to 870 °C is possible; long-term service is generally limited to about 815 °C.

How much does Stellite 6B cost?

Cobalt alloys command a premium over nickel grades; bar and plate pricing depends on cobalt market price, size, finish, and order quantity. Contact us for a quotation.

What product forms are available?

Flat plate, sheet, round bar, rod, custom forgings, rings, discs, and hardfacing consumables.

Is Stellite 6B weldable?

It can be welded with similar-composition filler metals, but preheat and controlled interpass temperatures are required to prevent cracking. Hardfacing overlays are common.

How does Stellite 6B compare to Stellite 1 or 12?

Stellite 6B offers better toughness and impact resistance than Stellite 1, with slightly lower hardness; Stellite 12 provides a middle ground between hardness and toughness.

What is the typical lead time and MOQ?

Standard bars and plates are often available from stock; custom forgings typically require 3-6 weeks with MOQs starting at one piece or 50 kg.

Where is Stellite 6B used most?

Valve seats, balls, gates, and trim in oil & gas; steam turbine components; pump wear parts; and cutting/edging tools.

Contact Us for Stellite 6B

Hangbo Alloy Group maintains supply channels for Stellite 6B in standard and custom product forms. We provide mill test certificates, third-party inspection reports (SGS, TUV), and custom processing services including cutting, machining, grinding, and surface finishing.

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

Need Stellite 6B Material?

Request a quotation for Stellite 6B round bars, tubes, plates, or forgings. We stock standard sizes and accept custom orders.