Corrosion Materials Inc.
10/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 12:13
Alloy 6B: A Versatile Solution for Wear, Erosion and Corrosion
In industries where erosion, wear and elevated temperatures are constant challenges, selecting the right material is critical. Alloy 6B*, a cobalt-based alloy, stands out as a versatile solution that offers exceptional resistance to wear, erosion and corrosion, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of demanding applications.
Exceptional Wear and Erosion Resistance
Alloy 6B's outstanding wear resistance is a result of its chemical composition, rather than being dependent on heat treatment or other hardening processes. This natural hardness allows Alloy 6B to maintain its integrity even under harsh conditions. Whether it's the abrasive action of industrial scrapers or the erosive forces encountered in pumps and valves, Alloy 6B performs reliably.
One of the key features of Alloy 6B is its low coefficient of friction, which enables it to resist seizing and galling. This is particularly valuable in applications where lubrication is challenging or impractical. Furthermore, Alloy 6B exhibits exceptional resistance to cavitation erosion, making it a go-to material in environments with constant erosive conditions.
Stability at Elevated Temperatures
Alloy 6B demonstrates excellent hot hardness, meaning it retains its high hardness even at elevated temperatures. Once cooled down to room temperature, the alloy fully recovers its original hardness. This property ensures that components made from Alloy 6B remain dimensionally stable and retain their mechanical properties even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Corrosion Resistance
In addition to its wear-resistant characteristics, Alloy 6B offers outstanding corrosion resistance across a wide range of environments. The alloy is highly resistant to both fresh and salt water, as well as aqueous acids such as sulfuric and hydrochloric acid, at varying temperatures. It is also resistant to corrosion in high-temperature environments, including exposure to steam, air and hot gases. Additionally, Alloy 6B can withstand abrasive and corrosive slurries found in industries such as cement, coal, paper and pulp, and bentonite. This resilience makes it a preferred material for applications where both corrosion and abrasion are concerns.
APPLICATIONS ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Glass Industry
Alloy 6B's ability to withstand high temperatures and abrasive conditions without degrading makes it highly suitable for use in the glass industry. It is commonly used to manufacture dies for molding glass, as these dies can endure the high temperatures and abrasive nature of molten glass. Additionally, Alloy 6B is employed in conveyor rollers that move hot glass and in furnace nozzles and shear blades, where its resistance to wear and corrosion under extreme conditions is crucial.
Alloy 6B is also used in numerous high-wear and erosion-prone applications across other industries, including:
- Chemical Processing and Power Industries: The alloy's resistance to erosion and sliding wear suits it for use in nozzles, pumps, valves, mixing blades and turbine blade components for steam control.
- Food Processing, Wastewater Treatment, and Textile Industries: Alloy 6B's abrasion resistance makes it ideal for industrial scraper blades and knives.
- Heat Treat Furnaces: Alloy 6B's resilience under high temperatures makes it perfect for bearing assemblies.
Available Alloy 6B Products
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Alloy 6B's carbon content can make machining more challenging. Tungsten carbide tools are the preferred option for machining this alloy. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is commonly used for creating threads. The alloy is also weldable using various methods, including TIG, MIG and shielded metal arc welding. Preheating to 1000°F is recommended to prevent cracking during welding, and proper ventilation is necessary to minimize exposure to airborne particulates.
The standard heat treatment for Alloy 6B is 2250°F (1232°C), followed by air cooling. This process helps to maintain the alloy's desirable properties, ensuring it remains tough and resilient in even the most demanding environments.
Download Datasheet
Close
Alloy 6B's combination of wear, erosion and corrosion resistance, coupled with its stability at elevated temperatures, makes it an ideal material in various high-demand industries. Whether for industrial blades, nozzles, valves or bearing assemblies, Alloy 6B delivers reliable performance and longevity.
For more detailed information, guidance on your specific application, or to request a quote, feel free to reach out to our experts at Corrosion Materials. We are here to assist with all your corrosion-resistant alloy requirements.
*Common trade name: Stellite® 6B. Stellite® is a registered trademark of Kennametal Stellite Company.