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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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What is Stellite 6B?

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%

What is the chemical composition of Stellite 6B?

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

What are the physical properties of Stellite 6B?

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

What are the room-temperature mechanical properties of Stellite 6B?

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

What are the high-temperature mechanical properties of Stellite 6B?

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

How corrosion resistant is Stellite 6B?

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.

Where is Stellite 6B used?

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.

Which product forms are available for Stellite 6B?

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.

Which standards cover Stellite 6B?

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

General references: Nickel Institute · AMPP · SAE International · ASTM International

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 13611656360. 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.