Cobalt alloys, metal materials with cobalt as the main component, form a diversified alloy system by adding different proportions of chromium, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, iron and other elements. These alloys not only inherit the excellent properties of cobalt itself, such as high melting point, good thermal shock resistance and fatigue resistance, but also further improve their wear resistance, corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability through the interaction between elements.
Cobalt alloy grade 6 is the most widely used alloy that is resistant to wear and corrosion and retains these properties at high temperatures. UNS R30006 solid parts can be used in many industries, including oil and gas, power generation, automotive, aerospace, etc.
What is the Composition of UNS R30006?
The Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys is a system of numbers commonly known as the UNS. It is widely accepted in North America. The number consists of an English letter and five numbers.
UNS R30006 is Cobalt alloy grade 6, primarily comprising cobalt, chromium, tungsten, carbon, and others. This special combination of elements gives it outstanding hardness, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability. The microstructure of UNS R30006 consists of carbide particles dispersed within a cobalt-chromium matrix, providing superior mechanical properties to the alloy.
Element |
Composition (wt%) |
Carbon (C) |
0.9 - 1.4 |
Manganese (Mn) |
≤1.0 |
Silicon (Si) |
≤1.5 |
Chromium (Cr) |
27.0 - 31.0 |
Nickel (Ni) |
≤3.0 |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
≤1.5 |
Tungsten (W) |
3.5 - 5.5 |
Cobalt (Co) |
Balance |
Iron (Fe) |
≤3.0 |
Others |
- |
Density (g/cm³) |
8.30 |
Hardness (HRC) |
38 - 44 |
Cobalt Alloy 6 Products
UNS R30006 can be supplied to meet various specifications, applications, and requirements, whether for rods, welding consumables, castings, or P/M (powder metallurgy) parts.
1. Rods: UNS R30006 rods are available in various diameters and lengths.
2. Welding Consumables: Cobalt alloy 6 is produced in the form of welding consumables including electrodes, wires, and powders. These consumables are used in arc, TIG, MIG, and PTAW processes.
3. Castings: UNS R30006 castings are produced in investment, sand, or centrifugal casting. UNS R30006 castings offer high strength, wear, and corrosion, making them suitable for pumps, valves, turbine components, and other industrial equipment.
4. P/M (Powder Metallurgy) Parts: Cobalt alloy 6 powder is utilized in the production of P/M parts through processes such as powder compaction, sintering, and post-processing. P/M parts have better mechanical properties. These parts are used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
What is UNS R30016?
UNS R30016(Cobalt alloy 6b) is a cobalt-based, chromium-tungsten alloy primarily used in wear and corrosion environments. Common applications for Alloy 6b encompass various industries, including chain saw guide blades, high-temperature bearings, valve stems, food processing equipment, or steel mill machinery parts.
What is the Difference Between UNS R30006 and UNS R30016?
UNS R30016 is a forged cobalt-based alloy. Its forged microstructure provides higher toughness, weldability, abrasion and corrosion resistance than cast or welded Stellite 6. Stellite 6B is the material of choice for extreme wear applications such as aerospace, steam turbines and drilling tools due to its excellent wear resistance, hot hardness, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Its wear resistance is due to the unique distribution of hard carbide phases in the CoCr matrix of the alloy.
As a widely used wear-resistant cobalt-based alloy, UNS R30006 has excellent comprehensive properties. It can resist various mechanical and chemical degradations in a wide temperature range and maintain hardness at high temperatures. It is also impact-resistant and cavitation-resistant, suitable for surfacing and turning, and is commonly used in valve seats, pump shafts, bearings and other components. Both show the excellent performance of cobalt-based alloys in extreme environments.
What is the Use of Cobalt Alloy?
Cobalt alloy 6 is the most widely used in environments requiring high-temperature wear and corrosion-resistant materials.
1. Steel industry
Using cobalt alloy parts as sinking roller sleeves and stabilizing roller sleeves in the production process of hot-dip galvanizing production lines can extend their service life, reduce downtime and maintenance costs, and improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the steel plant.
2. Power plants
Cobalt alloy 6 will be used as turbine blade patches or valve spare parts in power plants under high temperature and wear conditions. Cobalt alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, but the whole body is usually unused because of the high cost.
3. Oil and natural gas
In the oil and natural gas industry, equipment operating conditions are relatively harsh, which may be the cold Arctic, the hot and dry desert, or even the sea, so the life expectancy of materials is very high.
4. Automotive industry
Cobalt alloys significantly improve engine performance and extend their service life due to their excellent wear resistance and high-temperature strength. Because of this, the alloy is widely used in engine parts such as exhaust valve seats.
5. Food processing
Food processing equipment usually must operate under multiple challenges, such as acid and alkali corrosion, electrochemical corrosion, high temperature, and wear. In this case, material safety is critical. Cobalt alloy has become the material of choice for homogenizer components in the food processing industry due to its excellent high-temperature wear and corrosion resistance.
6. Cobalt alloy is also suitable for harsh environments requiring high temperature, wear, and corrosion resistance.
What are the Benefits of Cobalt Alloy?
1. Wear Resistance
Due to its superior wear resistance, cobalt alloys are ideal for applications in which corrosion and abrasion are significant factors.
2. High-temperature stability
Cobalt alloy red has good hardness and can maintain its excellent physical and mechanical properties under heating conditions and perform well.
3. Corrosion Resistance
Cobalt alloy has a high chromium content, so it has excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for applications involving harsh and corrosive environments.
4. Good Comprehensive Performance
Cobalt alloy parts, including cobalt alloy 6 parts, have a longer service life because they have high temperature, wear, and corrosion resistance at the same time. Therefore, it will reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
Is Cobalt Alloy Better than 316 Stainless Steel?
Both cobalt alloy and 316 stainless steel have advantages, and the choice must be weighed according to the specific application. Cobalt alloy is known for its excellent high-temperature resistance and wear resistance. It is suitable for extreme environments such as aerospace, power generation and petroleum, ensuring long life and low equipment maintenance. 316 stainless steel is known for its economy and strong corrosion resistance. Regarding cost, 316 stainless steel is more affordable and suitable for occasions with limited budgets and no extreme performance requirements. However, if the environment needs wear, high temperature, and corrosion resistance simultaneously, Cobalt alloy is a better choice. The choice of the material requires carefully considering operating conditions, performance expectations, and budget constraints to ensure that the material best meets the project's needs.
How to find a reliable Cobalt Alloy manufacturer?
1. Evaluate the size and team composition of the company:
When choosing a factory, it is essential to consider the size and structure of the company. A reputable factory will have its own production, quality inspection, and design teams. These in-house capabilities ensure that experienced professionals manage all aspects of production, quality control, and design.
2. Evaluate production and inspection capabilities:
It is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the factory's production and inspection capabilities. Make sure the factory is equipped with extensive production and testing equipment. The inspection equipment should at least be able to cover all critical indicators of the product. This guarantees that the factory can produce high-quality products that meet specific standards and requirements.
3. Check technical support:
Technical support is an essential part of a successful partnership. Factories with professional technical teams can provide valuable advice when you need help choosing suitable materials; when you have innovative ideas, factories with solid technical expertise can provide robust and implementable solutions. This support can significantly enhance the product development process.
4. Verify compliance with product protection standards:
Ensuring the factory complies with relevant product protection standards is essential. This compliance ensures the product's safety, reliability, and durability, giving customers confidence that the product performs as expected and complies with necessary regulations.
5. Check the availability of test samples:
Reliable factories will provide samples for testing. This allows customers to evaluate the product's quality, performance, and suitability before placing a large order. Sampling is essential to ensure the factory's products meet customer expectations and requirements.
6. Confirm export qualifications and international experience:
Finally, consider the factory's export qualifications and international experience. Factories that have the necessary export qualifications and a history of operating in international markets are more likely to produce products that meet global quality standards.
Cobalt alloys, with their exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability, are indispensable materials across various industries. From steel production to power generation, automotive to food processing, the unique properties of cobalt alloys enhance performance, durability, and efficiency.
When choosing a cobalt alloy manufacturer, it is crucial to consider factors such as company size, production capabilities, technical support, compliance with standards, sample availability, and export qualifications. By selecting a reliable manufacturer, businesses can ensure they receive high-quality cobalt alloy products that meet their specific needs and contribute to their operational success.
