Best Cobalt Alloy Manufacturers in China

Cobalt Alloy

Discover our premium cobalt based alloys engineered for extreme conditions where standard materials fail. Our portfolio spans from industry-standard Stellite to specialized cobalt chromium formulations, delivering exceptional wear resistance and thermal stability. These high-performance cobalt alloy compositions maintain their properties at elevated temperatures, making them ideal for aerospace, industrial, and medical applications. With tailored nickel-cobalt and chromium-cobalt options, we provide solutions that balance performance requirements with economic considerations.

1J22 Cobalt Alloy Bar

What is Cobalt Alloy

History: The Origins and Evolution of Cobalt Alloy

Cobalt Alloy traces its roots back to the early 20th century when metallurgist Elwood Haynes fused cobalt with chromium, creating a material that resisted oxidation and corrosive environments. Initially dubbed “Stellite” after its star-like luster (from Latin “stella”), this cobalt-based alloy evolved as Haynes identified tungsten and molybdenum as potent strengthening agents. By the 1930s, cobalt chromium alloys like Vitallium were developed for dental prosthetics, later expanding into gas turbines and biomedical implants. Over decades, Cobalt Alloy has progressed from a niche discovery to a cornerstone of modern engineering, with advancements in composition and manufacturing refining its properties for diverse applications.

Standards, Grades, and Classifications

Cobalt Alloy is standardized under specifications like ASTM F75, F799, F1537, F90, and F562, each defining grades suited to specific uses. For instance, ASTM F75 governs cast cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys for biomedical implants, while ASTM F562 covers wrought cobalt-nickel-chromium-molybdenum (CoNiCrMo) variants. Classifications split Cobalt Alloy into cast and wrought types, with grades like Stellite 6 and Cobalt 6 emphasizing wear resistance. These standards ensure consistency in composition, mechanical properties, and performance across industries.

 

Chemical Elements and Proportions

Cobalt Alloy typically comprises cobalt (Co) as the base metal (50-65%), blended with chromium (Cr, 20-30%) for corrosion resistance, and smaller amounts of molybdenum (Mo, 5-10%), tungsten (W, up to 15%), nickel (Ni, 0-35%), and carbon (C, 0.1-0.8%). Trace elements like iron (Fe), silicon (Si), and manganese (Mn) may also appear. For example, Stellite alloys lean heavily on cobalt, chromium, and tungsten, while biomedical CoCrMo alloys prioritize molybdenum for strength and biocompatibility.

Cobalt Alloy Characteristics

Types of Cobalt Alloy

TypeCompositionPropertiesCommon Variants
Cobalt Chromium AlloyCo (60%), Cr (28%), Mo (6%)High corrosion resistance, strengthASTM F75, Vitallium
Cobalt ChromeCo (54%), Cr (21%), W (16%)Wear resistance, heat toleranceStellite 6, Alloy L605
Nickel Cobalt AlloyCo (35%), Ni (35%), Cr (20%)Ductility, corrosion resistanceMP35N, ASTM F562
Cobalt 6Co (bal.), Cr (28%), W (4-6%)Extreme wear resistanceStellite 6

Chemical Properties: Behavior in Different Environments

PropertyDescriptionInfluencing ElementsPerformance
Corrosion ResistanceForms a Cr2O3 passive filmCr, MoExcellent in acids, saltwater
Oxidation ResistanceStable at high temperaturesCr, WSuperior up to 1000°C
MagnetismFerromagneticCoStrong in magnetic alloys
Heat ResistanceRetains integrity in extreme heatCo, Ni, WOutperforms Ni alloys >930°C

Cobalt Alloy excels in harsh conditions, resisting sulfidation and oxidation better than nickel-based alloys, thanks to its high chromium content.

Physical Properties: Strength, Hardness, and More

Cobalt Alloy boasts impressive physical attributes, often surpassing alternatives like stainless steel or nickel alloys. Here’s a comparison:

PropertyCobalt AlloyStainless SteelNickel Alloy
Tensile Strength145-270 MPa500-700 MPa600-1000 MPa
Hardness550-800 MPa150-300 MPa200-500 MPa
DuctilityLow (brittle)HighModerate
Melting Point~1330-1495°C~1400-1450°C~1455°C

While Cobalt Alloy sacrifices ductility for hardness, its strength at elevated temperatures outshines competitors, making it ideal for high-stress environments.

Applications: Industries and Uses

Cobalt Alloy serves industries requiring durability and resistance:

  • Aerospace: Gas turbine blades and jet engine components leverage cobalt chrome’s heat and wear resistance.
  • Biomedical: Cobalt chromium alloys form hip/knee implants and dental frameworks due to biocompatibility.
  • Industrial: Stellite alloys enhance cutting tools, valve seats, and wear-resistant coatings.
  • Energy: Nickel cobalt alloys in batteries and turbines capitalize on magnetic and thermal properties.

Its versatility makes Cobalt Alloy a go-to material for extreme conditions.

Limitations: What to Watch Out For

Despite its strengths, Cobalt Alloy has limitations:

  • Low Ductility: Brittle nature risks fractures in high-impact scenarios.
  • Cost: Higher price than stainless steel or nickel alloys limits widespread use.
  • Machinability: Hardness demands specialized grinding over cutting, increasing production complexity.
  • Nickel Content: In alloys like MP35N, nickel may trigger allergies in biomedical applications.

These factors require careful consideration in design and application.

Corrosion Data: Resistance and Influencing Factors

Cobalt Alloy’s corrosion resistance stems from its chromium-rich passive layer (Cr2O3). Tests show corrosion current densities as low as 0.36 µA cm⁻² for laser-printed CoCr after 100 hours in saline, outperforming cast variants (0.87 µA cm⁻²). Factors like carbon content (high levels reduce resistance via carbide precipitation) and microstructure homogeneity (wrought beats cast) influence performance. It thrives in acidic and high-temperature environments but may falter in chloride-heavy settings if not alloyed properly.

Welding and Manufacturing

Welding Cobalt Alloy requires precision:

  • Techniques: Laser welding minimizes galvanic corrosion risks compared to brazing with noble metals. Pulsed laser devices suit CoCr repairs.
  • Best Practices: Use low-carbon filler metals matching the alloy’s composition, control heat to avoid carbide precipitation, and opt for grinding over cutting for shaping.
  • Manufacturing: Additive methods like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) enhance properties over traditional casting, offering complex geometries.

These approaches ensure Cobalt Alloy retains its integrity during fabrication.

Customer Reviews

Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson
MedTech
These Cobalt Alloy medical implants demonstrate superior biocompatibility and surface finish quality. The technical support team provides excellent customization services that meet our specific requirements.
Robert Patel
Robert Patel
Chemical Industry
The premium Cobalt Alloy components deliver exceptional value in our chemical processing equipment. The reduction in maintenance requirements and extended service life justify the investment completely. The technical guidance in grade selection proves invaluable.
Thomas Anderson
Thomas Anderson
Engineering Supervisor
These custom Cobalt Alloy parts demonstrate superior corrosion resistance in harsh saltwater environments. The consistent metallurgical quality and precise specifications meet our demanding marine application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Cobalt Alloy different from stainless steel?

A: Cobalt Alloy offers superior performance at elevated temperatures, maintaining its strength and corrosion resistance where stainless steel would soften and degrade. It also provides better wear resistance and higher hardness, particularly in high-temperature environments above 650°C.

Q: Are Cobalt Alloys magnetic?

A: Most cobalt-based alloys are either non-magnetic or only slightly magnetic at room temperature, depending on their specific composition. This property makes them suitable for applications where magnetic interference must be minimized.

Q: What are the main limitations of Cobalt Alloys?

A: The primary limitations include higher cost compared to stainless steels and nickel alloys, limited machinability requiring specialized tooling and techniques, and the strategic nature of cobalt as a raw material which can affect supply availability.

Q: How do Cobalt Alloys perform in marine environments?

A: Cobalt alloys exhibit excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, particularly pitting and crevice corrosion. Their performance in marine environments typically exceeds that of standard stainless steels, making them ideal for critical marine components despite their higher cost.

Q: What industries most commonly use Cobalt Alloys?

A: The primary industries utilizing cobalt alloys include aerospace (turbine components), medical (implants and prosthetics), power generation (gas turbines), oil and gas (downhole tools and valves), and cutting tools manufacturing.

Q: Can Cobalt Alloys be recycled and what is their environmental impact?

A: Yes, Cobalt Alloys are highly recyclable with recovery rates exceeding 90% in industrial applications. Our recycling program helps minimize environmental impact while conserving valuable resources.

Scroll to Top
Get in touch with us
Leave a message
Contact Form Demo