Cobalt alloy Alloy 6B – properties, applications and technical data
Alloy 6B is a cobalt-based alloy known for its extreme wear resistance, very high resistance to galling (adhesive wear) and excellent abrasion resistance.
The material retains its hardness and strength even at high temperatures and can be used in applications where metal components work against each other without lubrication.
The alloy is self-hardening, which means that it does not require heat treatment to achieve its high strength and wear resistance.
Properties of Alloy 6B
Alloy 6B belongs to the family of cobalt-chromium-based wear-resistant alloys and offers very good resistance to galling, erosion and mechanical wear.
The material is often used in components where the combination of high mechanical load, friction and corrosive environments places high demands on material performance.
- Type: cobalt-based wear-resistant alloy
- Alloy: Co-Cr-W
- Structure: cobalt-based solid solution alloy
- Designations: Alloy 6B, UNS R30016, AMS 5894, Stellite®6B
- Typical composition: Co ~balance, Cr ~28%, W ~4–5%
Advantages
- Extreme wear resistance and abrasion resistance
- Very high resistance to galling
- Good strength at high temperatures
- Very good corrosion resistance
- Can be used without lubrication in metal contact
Limitations
- Higher material cost than standard alloys
- Machining can be more demanding
- Not optimal in applications where maximum toughness is required
Common product forms for Alloy 6B
- Round bar
- Plate
- Forgings
- Machined components
- Special dimensions according to drawing
Typical components manufactured in Alloy 6B
- Valve components and valve seats
- Pumps and pump components
- Cutting tools and process tools
- Sliding surfaces and bearings
- Machine components in power generation
Corrosion and wear resistance
Alloy 6B offers very good resistance to both oxidative and reducing environments as well as high resistance to mechanical wear.
The alloy is often used in environments where the combination of friction, chemical attack and high temperatures would otherwise cause damage to standard materials.
Environments where Alloy 6B works well
- Oil and gas production
- Process industry
- Power generation
- High temperature applications
Environments to avoid
- Applications where high toughness is more important than wear resistance
- Environments where simpler alloys provide sufficient performance
Technical data
| Yield strength (0.2%) |
~450 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~960 MPa |
| Hardness |
~40 HRC |
| Density |
~8.3 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of elasticity |
~210 GPa |
| Temperature resistance |
Up to ~800 °C depending on application |
With a global network of suppliers, we can offer Alloy 6B in technical dimensions for demanding industrial applications.
Contact us for technical advice or a quote.
Supplier of Alloy 6B with certified quality
HARALD PIHL is one of Europe's largest suppliers of special alloys, including cobalt-based wear-resistant alloys such as Alloy 6B.
With over 100 years of experience in the metal industry, we deliver materials with full traceability and certification according to EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 as well as relevant ASTM and ISO standards.
Cutting, testing and quality assurance are carried out in-house to ensure the right tolerances and fast global delivery for technically demanding projects.
- Europe's largest stock of nickel and titanium alloys
- Special alloys from stock
- ASTM / ISO standards
- Top quality for safety-critical applications
- Fast global delivery
- Full material certification (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
- Over 100 years in the metal industry
- Nickel and titanium experts
