Exploring Stellite® 6B/6K:
The Ultimate Alloy for Tough Applications
Discover why Stellite® 6B/6K is the go-to alloy for extreme durability and performance in challenging applications across various industries.
Forged for Excellence
How Wrought Stellite® 6B and 6K deliver Strength and Wear Resistance
The wrought aspect of Stellite® 6B and Stellite® 6K refers to their production through hot forging rather than casting, which significantly enhances their performance characteristics. This process transforms the alloys from a brittle state into tough, wear-resistant materials with improved mechanical properties, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
For Stellite® 6B, the wrought structure provides exceptional impact strength, thermal shock resistance, and durability in severe wear environments, making it ideal for high-impact applications like aerospace components and drilling tools. Similarly, Stellite® 6K benefits from the wrought process by achieving higher hardness while maintaining good wear resistance, which is particularly advantageous for cutting and scraping applications.
Overall, the wrought manufacturing method ensures superior dimensional stability, resistance to galling, and extended service life compared to cast versions, making these alloys highly reliable for demanding industrial uses.
Get Stellite® 6B/6K lecture
At the “Pumps and Valves” trade fair, product and innovation manager Sarah Peine gave a technical presentation on Stellite® 6B.
Advantages of Using Stellite® 6B/6K Over Other Alloys
One of the primary advantages of Stellite® 6B over other alloys is its superior wear resistance. This property is crucial in applications where components are subjected to constant friction, abrasion, or erosion. The presence of hard carbide particles within the cobalt matrix significantly enhances the alloy’s wear resistance, making it more durable than many other materials, including stainless steel and high-speed steel.
Many materials excel in one area.
Hardly any perform better under combined stress.
Stellite™ 6B is resistant to the effects of seizing or galling. In many cases, its low coefficient of friction allows sliding contact with other metals without damage by metal pickup. Stellite™ 6B has been used in equipment where no lubricants were used because of the nature of the product being handled. Sleeves made of Stellite™ 6B move smoothly, with minimum resistance, even when operating in contact with other metal parts. They have been useful in inaccessible areas where efficient lubrication is impossible. Sleeves and bushings have resisted seizing even when lubricants were
diluted by gasoline, cleaning fluids and other liquids that wash out an oil film. They have operated at peak efficiency even when lubricants decomposed under heat or were destroyed by abrasive particles
Parts made of Stellite™ 6B have a long service life, even under constant erosive conditions. This material has outstanding resistance to cavitation-erosion. The wrought structure results in improved abrasion wear resistance comparable to much harder cast materials. Stellite™ 6B used for steam turbine erosion shields has protected the blades of turbines for over 30 years of continuous service.
Stellite™ 6B retains high hardness, even at red heat. Once cooled back to room temperature, it recovers its full original hardness
Stellite™ 6B combines wear and corrosion resistance with good impact strength and resistance to thermal shock. The toughness of the wrought alloy depicted by its charpy impact energy goes up almost four fold compared to the cast version.
High temperatures have little effect on the hardness, toughness and dimensional stability of these alloys. They are highly resistant to atmospheric oxidation at ordinary temperatures and have good resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures.
In addition to wear resistance, Stellite™ 6B has good resistance to a variety of corrosive media. This combination of properties makes Stellite™ 6B particularly useful in such applications such as foodhandling machinery, chemical equipment and others where both wear and corrosion resistance are necessary.
Dimensions That Deliver: Stellite® 6B and 6K for every Application
Stellite® 6B and Stellite® 6K are available in sheets, plates and fabricated shapes. Stellite® 6B is also available as round bar stock. Deloro Wear Solutions has the capability to provide components made of these materials to your exact specifications.
Round Bar
Stellite 6b
- Diameter: 7.9 mm – 152.4 mm
- Lengths: up to 4 meters
Picture alike.
Flat Stock / Sheets
Stellite 6b
- Flat Stock Thickness: 0.79 mm – 25.4 mm
- Sheet Size: Up to 914.4 mm × 2,438.4 mm
Stellite 6k
- Flat Stock Thickness: 1.14 mm – 9.53 mm
- Sheet Size: Custom-rolled to customer specifications
Picture alike.
Components – ready to build in
Precision-Machined Stellite® 6B/6K Parts for instant assembly
One key benefit Deloro offers customers is the ability to receive fully machined Stellite® 6B or 6K components that are ready for immediate integration into their systems. This eliminates the need for additional processing, saving valuable time and reducing costs associated with in-house machining. By leveraging Deloro’s expertise in precision manufacturing, customers gain parts that meet exact specifications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in demanding applications. This turnkey solution streamlines production workflows and enhances efficiency, allowing businesses to focus on assembly and operation rather than component preparation.
Buy Stellite® 6B/6K
Why Stellite® 6B/6K is the Go-To Choice for Tough Applications
Stellite® 6B/6K has proven itself to be the ultimate alloy for tough applications across various industries. Its unique composition and properties, including exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, make it an ideal choice for demanding environments. From aerospace and oil and gas to medical and food processing, Stellite® 6B has demonstrated its ability to deliver outstanding performance and reliability.
The advantages of using Stellite® 6B over other alloys are clear. Its superior wear resistance ensures the longevity of components subjected to constant friction and abrasion, while its excellent corrosion resistance makes it suitable for harsh environments. Stellite® 6B’s ability to maintain hardness and strength at high temperatures further enhances its suitability for high-temperature applications. Additionally, the alloy’s resistance to thermal fatigue ensures that it can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without degrading.
The successful implementation of Stellite® 6B/6K in various industries, as demonstrated by numerous case studies, highlights its versatility and effectiveness. Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure the continued performance of Stellite® 6B components, and advancements in manufacturing techniques and sustainability efforts promise an exciting future for Stellite alloys. Ultimately, Stellite® 6B stands out as the go-to choice for tough applications, delivering unmatched durability and performance in the most challenging conditions.
Specifications for Deloro Stellite® 6B
Comparison of Stellite® 6B and Stellite® 6K
Key Difference:
- Stellite® 6B prioritizes toughness and impact resistance while maintaining wear and corrosion resistance.
- Stellite® 6K is harder and better suited for cutting/scraping but sacrifices ductility.
In summary, Stellite® 6B is preferred for applications requiring toughness and resistance to impact, while 6K is chosen for tasks demanding higher hardness and cutting efficiency.
Stellite™ 6B and Stellite™ 6K are both wrought cobalt-based alloys designed for wear resistance, but they differ in key characteristics and applications. Stellite™ 6B is known for its exceptional toughness combined with wear resistance, making it suitable for high-impact and demanding environments such as aerospace components, pulp agitators, and drilling tools. It offers excellent hot hardness, corrosion resistance, and impact strength, and meets AMS 5894 specifications. In contrast, Stellite™ 6K shares similar properties but is slightly harder and less ductile than 6B, which makes it ideal for cutting or scraping applications like knives and scraper blades. While 6B is available in both flat stock and round bars, 6K is custom-rolled and only offered in flat stock. The hardness range for 6B is typically 33–43 HRC, whereas 6K tends to be harder, around 40–47 HRC, but sacrifices some toughness compared to 6B.
| Property | Stellite™ 6B | Stellite™ 6K |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (HRC) | 33 – 43 | 40 – 47 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ~896 min (up to 1,063 typical) | ~1,217 typical |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ~483 min (up to 638 typical) | ~708 typical |
| Elongation (%) | 5% min (up to 17% typical) | ~4% typical |
| Ductility | Higher (good toughness) | Lower (less ductile) |
| Applications | High-impact, wear-resistant parts | Cutting and scraping tools |
| Available Forms | Flat stock, round bar | Flat stock, custom sizes |
| Chemical Composition | Co (balance), Cr 28-32%, W 3.5-5.5%, C 0.90-1.40 | Co (balance), Cr 28-32%, W 3.5-5.5%, C 1.40-1.90 |
Stellite® 6B/6K Applications
Stellite® 6B is a cobalt-based alloy renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, high-temperature strength, and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred material in demanding industrial environments. Its unique properties ensure reliability and longevity where conventional materials fail.
Stellite 6b/6k is used for turbine components and bearings that must withstand extreme temperatures and abrasive wear, meeting stringent standards such as AMS 5894.
Ideal for shredding and processing fiber or wood-based materials, especially in environments where corrosive effects are present.
Applied in drilling rigs, pumps, and valves operating under severe mechanical stress and corrosive conditions.
Commonly used for scraper blades and mixing equipment, ensuring durability and hygiene in food processing applications.
Frequently chosen for cutting tools and wear parts due to its combination of hardness, thermal stability, and long service life.
Utilized for erosion shields in steam turbines, protecting critical components from high-velocity particle impact and erosion.
Why Deloro is Your Best Partner for Stellite® 6B
Deloro stands out as the ideal partner for Stellite 6B thanks to its unmatched metallurgical expertise and advanced processing capabilities.
Unlike many suppliers, Deloro provides genuine Stellite™ 6B produced through extensive hot working, transforming a brittle ingot into a tough, wear-resistant alloy with superior mechanical properties. Our products meet the rigorous Aerospace Material Specification AMS 5894 and come with full material certifications and DFARS compliance, ensuring reliability in critical applications. With a wide range of standard mill forms, custom sizing options, and in-house machining capabilities, Deloro delivers precision components tailored to your needs. Combined with proven performance in industries from aerospace to energy, Deloro offers not just material, but a complete solution for durability, corrosion resistance, and long service life.
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Round rod/bar Stellite® 6B
- Diameter from:
7.9 mm (0.312 inch) – 152.4 mm (6 inch) - Bar length:
Up to 4,000 mm
Sheets Stellite® 6B/6K
Stellit® 6B
- Sheet thickness:
0.79 mm – 25.4 mm - Plate size:
Up to 914.4 mm × 2438.4 mm
Stellite® 6K
- Sheet thickness:
1.14 mm – 9.53 mmSheet size: Custom rolledImage similar.
Stellite™ 6B – Technical Information
Stellite™ 6B is a cobalt-based alloy in which cobalt is the dominant base element (balance). The most important alloying element is chromium, at a content of 28–32%, which significantly contributes to corrosion and oxidation resistance. Tungsten (3.5–5.5%) increases strength at elevated temperatures and promotes hard-phase formation. Carbon (0.90–1.40%) is crucial for the formation of carbides, which contribute to the alloy’s wear resistance. The contents of nickel, silicon, iron, and manganese are limited to a maximum of 3.00%, 2.00%, 3.00%, and 2.00%, respectively, while molybdenum is limited to a maximum of 1.50%. Compared to Stellite™ 6K, 6B differs primarily in its lower carbon content (0.90–1.40% vs. 1.40–1.90%), which makes 6B slightly tougher and 6K slightly harder.
Chemical Composition Stellite® 6B (%)
| Element | Stellite® 6B | Stellite® 6K | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | Balance | Balance | Main alloying element |
| Chromium (Cr) | 28.00 – 32.00 | 28.00 – 32.00 | Corrosion and oxidation resistance |
| Tungsten (W) | 3.50 – 5.50 | 3.50 – 5.50 | High-temperature strength |
| Carbon (C) | 0.90 – 1.40 | 1.40 – 1.90 | Hard phase formation (carbides) |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 3.00 (max) | ≤ 3.00 (max) | Max. value |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 2.00 (max) | ≤ 2.00 (max) | Max. value |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 3.00 (max) | ≤ 3.00 (max) | Max. value |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 (max) | ≤ 2.00 (max) | Max. value |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 1.50 (max) | ≤ 1.50 (max) | Max. value |
Minimum mechanical properties – Stellite® 6B
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 896 | MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 483 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break (4D) | ≥ 5 | % |
| Cross-Sectional Reduction | ≥ 7 | % |
| Hardness | 33 – 43 | HRC |
| Density | 8,387 | kg/m³ |
| Melting range | 1,265 – 1,354 | °C |
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