Stellite 6 is a cobalt-based alloy for parts exposed to wear, friction, galling, erosion, and high temperatures. It is commonly used for valve seats, gates, pump parts, bushings, and other wear-resistant components.
This guide covers its wear resistance, common applications, and the key information to consider when selecting the material.
What Makes Stellite 6 Resistant to Wear?
Stellite 6 has a cobalt-based matrix with hard carbide phases. Chromium helps improve corrosion and oxidation resistance. Tungsten and carbon form hard carbides that help the alloy resist wear. This combination gives Stellite 6 good resistance to sliding wear, abrasion, and surface damage.
How Does Stellite 6 Perform Against Different Types of Wear?
Sliding Wear and Galling
Stellite 6 performs well when metal surfaces slide against each other. Its wear resistance makes it suitable for valve seats, gates, bushings, and other parts exposed to repeated contact.
Abrasive Wear
Hard particles can gradually remove material from a metal surface. Stellite 6 resists abrasive wear and is suitable for environments containing sand, slurry, or other hard particles.
Erosion and Cavitation
High-velocity fluids, particles, and pressure changes can damage exposed surfaces. Stellite 6 provides good resistance in components exposed to fluid erosion, particle impact, and cavitation.
Where Is Stellite 6 Used?
Stellite 6 is often selected for components where wear and repeated contact can shorten service life.
Stellite Homo Valve Seat
cobalt-alloy-metal-sleeve-bushing
cobalt-alloy-6-nozzle
Valve Seats and Gates
Valve seats and gates experience pressure, repeated movement, and metal-to-metal contact. Stellite 6 helps reduce wear and galling in these demanding conditions.
Pump Components
They may encounter sliding contact, abrasive particles, and fluid erosion. Stellite 6 provides wear-resistant surfaces for selected pump parts exposed to these conditions.
Bearings and Bushings
Bearings and bushings operate under repeated sliding contact. The wear resistance of Stellite 6 helps them withstand friction and reduce surface damage.
Erosion-Exposed Components
High-velocity fluids and abrasive particles can gradually damage exposed surfaces. Stellite 6 provides a hard, wear-resistant surface for components exposed to these conditions.
How to Select Stellite 6 for a Component
Identify the Wear Problem
Start by finding out why the part is failing.
Check whether the main problem is:
- Sliding wear
- Galling
- Abrasion
- Erosion
- High-temperature wear
Check the Working Conditions
Then look at the conditions the part operates under:
- Operating temperature
- Pressure or load
- Working medium
- Particle content
- Contact conditions
These factors help determine whether Stellite 6 is suitable for the application.
Choose the Right Material Form
The required material form depends on the part and how it will be made.
For example, a finished valve seat has different requirements from a flat sheet that will be machined into a wear-resistant component.
Conclusion
Stellite 6 is a practical choice for components exposed to wear, galling, abrasion, erosion, and elevated temperatures. The right material depends on the actual working conditions and the required form of the part.
If you are selecting Stellite 6 for a specific application, Fanmetal can provide Stellite 6 products in various forms and sizes to meet your requirements. Contact us to discuss your application and material needs.
FAQ
1. What Is Stellite 6 Used For?
Stellite 6 is used for wear-resistant parts such as valve seats, gates, pump components, bushings, and selected nozzles.
2. Is Stellite 6 Stronger Than Steel?
Stellite 6 and steel have different property profiles, so strength alone is not enough for a direct comparison. Stellite 6 is mainly valued for its wear resistance, hardness, corrosion resistance, and performance under demanding conditions.
3. What Are the Key Differences Between Stellite 6 And Stellite 21?
Stellite 6 and Stellite 21 are both cobalt-based alloys, but they are designed for different performance requirements. Stellite 6 has a harder microstructure and is commonly selected for wear and galling resistance. Stellite 21 has a different balance of wear resistance, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
4. What are the common applications of Stellite 6?
Common applications include valve seats and gates, pump components, bearings, bushings, erosion shields, and other components exposed to wear or metal-to-metal contact.