Stellite 6 vs Inconel 625 – What’s the Difference

Materials with high resistance to corrosion, wear, and extreme temperatures are in high demand in industries like automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and energy. Two metals that come to mind are Stellite 6 and Inconel 625. While both are recognised for their unique properties, they are not identical. This blog post will explore the differences between Stellite 6 and Inconel 625 and their respective applications.

Difference between Stellite 6 and Inconel 625

Stellite 6 is a cobalt-based alloy that contains chromium, tungsten, nickel, and carbon. It has remarkable wear resistance, even in extreme temperatures and corrosive environments. Stellite 6 is ideal for applications requiring sliding, abrasion, and erosion resistance, such as cutting tools, turbine blades, steel mill rolls, saw teeth, and valves. Due to its high carbon content, Stellite 6 can form carbides, making it harder than other cobalt alloys. Additionally, Stellite 6 exhibits good electrical conductivity, which makes it suitable for contacts and electrodes.

On the other hand, Inconel 625 is a nickel-based alloy known for its outstanding corrosion resistance in highly acidic and alkaline environments, including seawater. It also maintains its strength and integrity in various temperatures, from cryogenic to 1800°F or higher. Inconel 625 is commonly used in oil and gas production, aerospace, chemical processing, and marine applications. Its exceptional weldability and formability allow for easy fabrication of components, such as heat exchangers, exhaust systems, combustion chambers, and pressure vessels.

While both Stellite 6 and Inconel 625 have high-temperature tolerances, their melting points differ significantly. Stellite 6 has a melting point of 2600°F, whereas Inconel 625 can withstand temperatures up to 2300°F. This makes Stellite 6 more suitable for applications that demand higher temperatures, like cutting tools and high-temperature bearings. Inconel 625, on the other hand, is more suitable for applications that require corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures, such as power plant tubing and heat exchanger tubing.

Another difference between Stellite 6 and Inconel 625 is their cost. Stellite 6 is generally more expensive than Inconel 625 due to its higher cobalt content and the production process involved in its manufacture. Inconel 625, on the other hand, is cheaper and more widely available. It is also more versatile and can be used in a wider range of applications than Stellite 6. For More information visit marketsmartb2b

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Stellite 6 and Inconel 625 both have unique properties that make them ideal for specific applications. Stellite 6 excels in wear resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and electrical conductivity. It is suitable for cutting tools, saw teeth, valve components and other abrasive and erosive environments. Inconel 625, on the other hand, offers excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and formability in highly acidic and alkaline environments, making it ideal for marine, chemical processing, and aerospace applications. They both have high-temperature tolerance but differ in melting points, with Stellite 6 being more resistant. Finally, the cost of Stellite 6 is generally higher than that of Inconel 625, which makes Inconel 625 more cost-effective. Therefore, before selecting either of these metals, it is essential to consider the specific application and the properties required.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *