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Cobalt alloys, known for their exceptional high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance, are pivotal in crafting some of the most demanding components across a wide range of industries. Bescast has the skill and expertise to deliver cobalt-based alloy castings for your most challenging applications.
Cobalt-based alloys are a group of metal alloys predominantly made of cobalt, a naturally occurring element known for its robustness and thermal stability. These alloys are typically combined with other metals like chromium, nickel and tungsten, each bringing its own properties to enhance the alloy's performance. For instance, chromium contributes to corrosion resistance, while tungsten and nickel add to the high-temperature strength of the alloy.
This unique blend makes cobalt-based alloy castings exceptionally resistant to wear, corrosion and thermal deformation, setting them apart in environments where other materials might fail.
Whether you need cobalt steel or nickel cobalt alloys, all cobalt alloys share similar characteristics. They're renowned for their exceptional properties, which make them ideal for applications in demanding environments. Understanding these key characteristics is essential to appreciate why these alloys are chosen over other metals.
High-Temperature Resistance
One of the standout properties of cobalt-based alloys is their ability to maintain structural integrity and mechanical properties at high temperatures. Unlike many other metals, which weaken or become more malleable under intense heat, cobalt alloys retain their strength and hardness. This makes them indispensable in applications like jet engine turbines and industrial furnaces, where performance at elevated temperatures is non-negotiable.
Wear and Corrosion Resistance
In addition to withstanding high temperatures, cobalt alloys are exceptionally resistant to wear and corrosion. This is mainly due to their chromium content, which develops a protective oxide layer on the part's surface. This resistance is crucial in applications where materials must endure constant friction and exposure to corrosive elements without degrading.
Strength and Hardness
Cobalt-based alloy castings are synonymous with strength and hardness. Their composition ensures they can withstand significant stress and impact, making them ideal for heavy-duty industrial components such as drilling equipment and machinery parts. Their ability to resist deformation under stress is critical to their widespread use.
Comparing Cobalt Alloys with Other Metal Alloys
Compared to other metal alloys, cobalt-based alloys often emerge superior in challenging environments.
While materials like stainless steel and titanium are also used for their strength and corrosion resistance, cobalt alloys excel in extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions. Their unique blend of properties — temperature resistance, durability and hardness — is challenging to replicate in other alloys, making them the material of choice for many high-stakes applications.
The remarkable properties of cobalt-based alloy castings make them a favored choice across a diverse range of industries. Each sector leverages these unique characteristics to meet specific challenges and demands.
Aerospace and Aviation
In aerospace and aviation, reliability and performance at high temperatures are paramount. Cobalt alloys are used extensively for components like turbine blades, exhaust nozzles and engine parts. Their ability to withstand extreme heat and stress ensures the efficiency and safety of aircraft operations.
Medical and Healthcare
The medical field benefits significantly from the wear resistance of cobalt alloys, which are commonly used in surgical instruments. Their strength and corrosion resistance make these materials ideal for frequent sterilization.
Automotive Industry
In the automotive sector, cobalt-based alloys are utilized for parts that demand high wear resistance, such as valve seats, gears and turbocharger components. Their durability contributes to the longevity and performance of vehicles, particularly in high-performance and heavy-duty engines.
Industrial and Engineering Applications
The industrial sector relies on cobalt alloys for machinery components exposed to harsh conditions. Their strength and resistance to thermal and mechanical wear extend the life and efficiency of industrial equipment.
Energy and Power Generation
In power generation, especially in nuclear and hydroelectric plants, components must withstand corrosive environments and high pressures. Cobalt alloys are used in turbine blades, pump impellers and control rod mechanisms due to their ability to maintain integrity under these conditions. Petroleum industry castings are another application for cobalt-based alloys.
Other Industries
Beyond these, cobalt alloys find applications in sectors like mining, where drill bits and excavation equipment benefit from their hardness and wear resistance. They are also used in military and defense castings that require robustness and reliability under extreme conditions.
Backed by years of experience and expertise, Bescast is a proven leader in cobalt investment casting. We specialize in a variety of cobalt alloys, including:
Just as with our nickel-based castings and stainless steel castings, we put our extensive range of capabilities to work to create cobalt cast components that meet your needs. Using ProCAST software and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), we provide critical design and engineering assistance along every step of your manufacturing process. You can rely on our ISO 9001:2015 certified operations to deliver the components you need for your application. When you work with Bescast, you benefit from a broad array of customer advantages, such as:
CURRENT PRODUCTION
Manufacturing Capacity
• 75,000 ft2 manufacturing facility
• 10,000 ft engineering and customer service
• 200+ full-time employees
Alloys Currently Poured on a Production Basis
Steel
• 15-5PH
• 17-4PH
• 300 Series
• 400 Series
Cobalt
• MM509
• L605
• X40 (S31)
• WI-52
Nickel (vacuum)
• HastX
• IN100
• IN625
• IN713
• IN718
• IN738
• IN792
• MM247
• R77
• R80
• R125
• U500
Quality Certifications
• ISO9001:2015
• AS9100 Rev D
• Nadcap
• Heat Treat
• NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) (Radiography & Penetrant)
• Welding
Approved Supplier To:
• Advanced Atomization Technologies
• Collins Aerospace
• Eaton Corporation
• GE Aviation
• Parker Hannifin
• Pratt Whitney Canada
• Prat Whitney America
• Rolls Royce N.A.
• Siemens Energy
• Solar Turbines
• Woodward
As a leader in the $16.6 billion investment casting market, Bescast is well-situated to provide the information you need about cobalt-based alloy castings. Read the following questions for the answers you've been looking for.
Cobalt steel alloy contains a mixture of chromium, tungsten and trace amounts of carbon. It's a high-speed steel alloy used mainly for cutting tools.
With a 5 rating on the Mohs hardness scale, cobalt is well-suited for a broad range of demanding applications.
Cobalt-based alloy castings are used in applications that require outstanding temperature resistance, durability and hardness, like turbine blades and pump impellers.
Bescast understands that choosing the right materials is pivotal to the success of your project. Our expertise in cobalt-based alloy castings positions us to meet your specific needs with precision, reliability and unmatched quality. We specialize in tailor-made solutions, ensuring that every casting meets your exact specifications and industry standards.
Choose Bescast for cobalt investment cast parts that guarantee performance, durability and excellence. Contact us today to discuss how we can contribute to the success of your project.
