STELLITE® Alloy 3 Product Introduction
STELLITE® Alloy 3 is a cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy known for its exceptional wear resistance, high temperature strength, and corrosion resistance. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to STELLITE® Alloy 3, detailing its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance characteristics at different temperatures, industry applications, shapes and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, advantages and disadvantages, and comparisons with similar alloys.
Chemical Composition
STELLITE® Alloy 3 is primarily composed of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and smaller amounts of nickel and iron for enhanced properties.
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | 52.0 – 62.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 27.0 – 31.0 |
| Tungsten (W) | 10.0 – 12.0 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 – 0.45 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.0 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 3.0 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.0 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 max |
Mechanical Properties
STELLITE® Alloy 3 exhibits excellent mechanical properties suitable for high-wear applications:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, ksi (MPa) | 100 (690) min |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset), ksi (MPa) | 50 (345) min |
| Elongation (% in 2 inches) | 20 min |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (HRC) | 38 – 46 |
Performance Characteristics
STELLITE® Alloy 3 offers outstanding performance in severe conditions:
- Wear Resistance: Exceptional resistance to abrasion, erosion, and metal-to-metal wear, making it ideal for high-stress wear environments.
- Corrosion Resistance: Good resistance to oxidation and corrosion in high-temperature environments, including acids and alkalis.
- High Temperature Strength: Maintains high strength and hardness at elevated temperatures, up to approximately 1200°F (650°C).
Industry Applications
STELLITE® Alloy 3 is utilized in various industries for its wear and corrosion resistance properties:
| Industry Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Aircraft engine components, turbine blades, and wear-resistant coatings. |
| Oil and Gas | Valve seats, pump components, and drilling tools exposed to abrasive environments and corrosive fluids. |
| Power Generation | Gas turbine blades, boiler components, and steam turbine seals requiring high wear resistance and durability. |
| Industrial Machinery | Cutting tools, extrusion dies, and wear plates in manufacturing equipment. |
Shapes and Sizes
STELLITE® Alloy 3 is available in various forms and sizes to meet specific application requirements:
- Forms: Sheets, plates, bars, tubes, and custom shapes.
- Sizes: Thickness ranging from 0.025 inches to 1.000 inches (0.64mm to 25.4mm), diameter ranging from 0.25 inches to 6.0 inches (6.35mm to 152.4mm).
Production Standards
STELLITE® Alloy 3 complies with industry standards for quality and performance:
| Product Form | Shapes Available | Sizes Available | Production Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bars | Round bars, square bars | Diameter: 0.25″ – 6.0″ (6.35mm – 152.4mm) | ASTM A732 |
| Plates/Sheets | Plates, Sheets | Thickness: 0.025″ – 1.000″ (0.64mm – 25.4mm) | ASTM A732 |
| Welding Rods | Rods | Diameter: 0.125″ – 0.500″ (3.18mm – 12.7mm) | AWS A5.13 |
Welding and Processing
STELLITE® Alloy 3 offers good weldability and machinability:
- Welding: Can be welded using conventional methods such as TIG and MIG welding with preheating and post-weld heat treatment to maintain properties.
- Processing: Machinable using carbide tooling, although high cobalt content requires slower speeds and heavy feed rates.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Advantages | High wear resistance, excellent strength at elevated temperatures, good corrosion resistance, and suitability for extreme environments. |
| Disadvantages | Higher cost compared to conventional materials, requires specialized machining and welding techniques due to high cobalt content. |
Similar Alloys
| Alloy Name | Comparison |
|---|---|
| STELLITE® Alloy 6 | Similar in composition with higher tungsten content, providing superior resistance to galling and abrasion. |
| STELLITE® Alloy 12 | Lower carbon content, offering improved weldability and machinability compared to Alloy 3. |
Comparison of Similar Alloys
| Property/Feature | STELLITE® Alloy 3 | STELLITE® Alloy 6 | STELLITE® Alloy 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt Content (%) | 52.0 – 62.0 | 54.0 – 62.0 | 31.0 – 35.0 |
| Chromium Content (%) | 27.0 – 31.0 | 27.0 – 32.0 | 8.0 – 10.0 |
| Tungsten Content (%) | 10.0 – 12.0 | 8.0 – 10.0 | 0.5 max |
| Hardness, Rockwell C (HRC) | 38 – 46 | 48 – 55 | 28 – 36 |
| Applications | Wear-resistant coatings, turbine components | Valve components, extrusion dies | Welding electrodes, pump parts |
This detailed article provides a comprehensive introduction to STELLITE® Alloy 3, highlighting its chemical composition, mechanical properties, performance characteristics, industry applications, available forms and sizes, production standards, welding and processing capabilities, as well as advantages, disadvantages, and comparisons with similar alloys. Professionals seeking durable materials for high-wear applications will find this information valuable for selecting the appropriate alloy to meet their specific needs.