Explore Stellite 21 Powder: The Most Reliable High-Performance Alloy
Low MOQ
Provide low minimum order quantity to meet different needs.
OEM & ODM
Provide customized products and design services to meet unique customer needs.
Adequate Stock
Ensure fast order processing and provide reliable and efficient service.
Customer Satisfaction
Provide high quality products with customer satisfaction at the core.
share this article
Table of Contents
When it comes to high-performance materials, Stellite 21 powder stands out as a reliable choice for industries that demand exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability. This cobalt-based alloy is engineered to withstand some of the harshest conditions known in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, power generation, and medical implants.
But what is it about Stellite 21 powder that makes it so special? Whether you’re an engineer looking for the right material for a project, or you’re just curious about high-performance alloys, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From its composition and properties to its applications and pricing, we’ll break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand—and hopefully a little fun, too. Let’s dive right in!
Overview: What is Stellite 21 Powder?
Stellite 21 powder is a cobalt-chromium-based alloy that excels in high-temperature environments while offering outstanding resistance to wear and corrosion. Originally developed for use in aircraft engine valve seats, this alloy has found widespread use across a variety of demanding applications due to its versatile properties.
Unlike other cobalt alloys, Stellite 21 is designed with good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures while maintaining a balance between toughness and wear resistance. This makes it ideal for applications where both abrasion resistance and thermal stability are critical.
Key Features of Stellite 21 Powder:
- Excellent corrosion resistance in oxidizing and reducing environments.
- Good wear resistance, especially under high temperatures.
- Toughness and ductility, making it suitable for parts subject to impact and wear.
- High-temperature stability, retaining strength and hardness even at elevated temperatures.
- Bio-compatibility, allowing use in medical implants like prosthetic joints.
Composition and Properties of Stellite 21 Powder
The unique performance of Stellite 21 powder is derived from its precise balance of chemical elements. Each constituent plays a specific role in enhancing the overall performance of the alloy in various industrial conditions. Let’s break down its composition and key properties.
Composition of Stellite 21 Powder
| Element | Percentage (%) | Role in the Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | 55-65% | The primary base metal, providing excellent high-temperature strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 26-30% | Enhances resistance to oxidation and corrosion, especially in high-temperature environments. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 4-6% | Improves toughness and resistance to both pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in acidic environments. |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 3% | Adds toughness and ductility, enhancing the material’s ability to withstand impact without cracking. |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 3% | Supports strength and hardenability without significantly affecting corrosion resistance. |
| Carbon (C) | 0.25% | Provides moderate hardness and wear resistance by forming carbides. |
Key Properties of Stellite 21 Powder
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Density | ~8.7 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1,350°C |
| Hardness | 25-35 HRC (Rockwell Hardness) |
| Wear Resistance | High, particularly in metal-on-metal wear situations, due to the presence of hard carbides. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in both acidic and alkaline environments, making it suitable for marine and chemical applications. |
| Thermal Stability | Retains strength and hardness up to 500°C, making it ideal for high-temperature applications. |
| Toughness and Ductility | Higher toughness compared to other Stellite alloys, making it more resistant to cracking under impact or stress. |
| Oxidation Resistance | High resistance to oxidation, meaning it performs well in environments where both heat and air are present. |
Why Choose Stellite 21 Powder? Key Characteristics
What makes Stellite 21 powder stand out from other high-performance cobalt alloys? Let’s take a closer look at the unique traits that make this material a go-to choice for industries around the world.
1. Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
One of the key advantages of Stellite 21 powder is its exceptional corrosion resistance. Thanks to its high chromium content and the addition of molybdenum, this alloy performs well in acidic, alkaline, and oxidizing environments. Whether it’s submerged in seawater or exposed to harsh chemicals, Stellite 21 holds up remarkably well.
2. Excellent Wear Resistance
Wear resistance is another area where Stellite 21 powder shines. It’s especially effective in metal-on-metal wear, making it ideal for applications like bearings, valve seats, and cutting tools. The alloy’s hard carbides help protect against both abrasion and erosion, even in harsh environments.
3. High-Temperature Stability
Unlike some other materials that lose their strength at high temperatures, Stellite 21 powder retains its mechanical properties up to 500°C. This makes it perfect for applications where components are exposed to extreme heat, such as turbine blades, engine valves, and furnace components.
4. Toughness and Ductility
One of the most significant advantages of Stellite 21 powder over other Stellite alloys is its superior toughness. While some alloys become brittle in high-stress environments, Stellite 21 maintains a balance of strength and ductility, making it more resistant to cracking and fracture under impact.
5. Bio-Compatibility
For medical applications, particularly in orthopedic implants, Stellite 21 powder offers excellent bio-compatibility. Its ability to resist corrosion in biological environments makes it a popular choice for prosthetic joints and other surgical implants.
Applications of Stellite 21 Powder
With its unique combination of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance, Stellite 21 powder is used in a wide range of industrial applications. Below is a summary of the industries that benefit from the properties of Stellite 21 powder, along with specific applications within each sector.
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Turbine blades, engine valves, seats, and other high-temperature components in jet engines. |
| Oil & Gas | Valve seats, sliding wear parts, drilling tools, and components exposed to corrosive and abrasive environments. |
| Automotive | Engine valves, valve seats, and other parts subjected to high wear and thermal stress. |
| Power Generation | Steam turbine blades, furnace components, pump impellers, and other high-temperature components. |
| Marine | Propeller blades, pump shafts, and other parts exposed to seawater and other corrosive environments. |
| Medical | Prosthetic joints, surgical implants, and other bio-compatible components. |
| Industrial Tooling | Cutting tools, dies, punches, and other wear-resistant tooling used in manufacturing and processing industries. |
| Chemical Processing | Valve seats, pump impellers, and other parts exposed to corrosive chemicals and abrasive materials in reactors and piping systems. |
As you can see, Stellite 21 powder is a versatile material that can be applied across multiple sectors, making it an essential material for industries that require durability under extreme conditions.
Specifications, Sizes, Grades, and Standards for Stellite 21 Powder
When selecting Stellite 21 powder for your project, it’s essential to understand the different specifications, sizes, and grades available. These factors can influence the performance of the material in specific applications.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | Typically ranges from 15 to 53 microns, depending on the manufacturing process (thermal spray, powder metallurgy, etc.). |
| ASTM Standards | ASTM F75 for medical applications, ASTM B815 for wear-resistant coatings. |
| ISO Standards | ISO 5832-4 for medical-grade cobalt-chromium alloys. |
| UNS Number | UNS R30021 for Stellite 21. |
| Hardness Range | 25-35 HRC, depending on heat treatment and specific application requirements. |
| Powder Morphology | Spherical powder is most commonly used for additive manufacturing and thermal spraying processes. |
These specifications ensure that Stellite 21 powder meets the rigorous standards required for industries like medical devices, aerospace, and oil & gas.
Suppliers and Pricing of Stellite 21 Powder
The cost of Stellite 21 powder can vary depending on factors such as order size, the supplier, and the specific formulation. Below is a list of some of the most well-known suppliers and their typical pricing ranges for Stellite 21 powder.
| Supplier | Price Range (per kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kennametal | $220 – $320 | A global leader in the supply of wear-resistant materials, including Stellite alloys. |
| Oerlikon Metco | $230 – $340 | Specializes in advanced materials for surface coating and additive manufacturing. |
| Carpenter Technology | $210 – $320 | A major supplier of high-performance alloys for aerospace and medical applications. |
| Höganäs AB | $240 – $350 | Offers a wide range of metal powders, including Stellite 21 for powder metallurgy and thermal spraying. |
| Powder Alloy Corporation | $230 – $340 | Supplies high-quality Stellite powders for various industries including aerospace and oil & gas. |
Pricing for Stellite 21 powder is typically higher than for more common alloys due to its specialized properties and demanding applications. Prices can also vary depending on market conditions and the supplier’s location.
Advantages and Limitations of Stellite 21 Powder
While Stellite 21 powder offers numerous advantages, there are also some limitations to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using Stellite 21 powder in various applications.
Advantages of Stellite 21 Powder
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Superior Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in both acidic and alkaline environments. | Ideal for use in chemical processing, marine, and oil & gas applications where corrosion is a concern. |
| High Wear Resistance: Excellent in metal-on-metal wear situations. | Perfect for high-wear applications like valve seats, bearings, and cutting tools. |
| Good Toughness and Ductility: Less brittle than other wear-resistant alloys. | Makes it more resistant to cracking under impact or stress, ideal for parts subject to vibration. |
| Thermal Stability: Retains strength and hardness at elevated temperatures. | Suitable for high-temperature applications like turbine blades and engine valves. |
| Bio-Compatibility: Safe for use in medical implants. | Perfect for prosthetic joints, surgical tools, and other medical applications. |
Limitations of Stellite 21 Powder
| Limitation | Why It’s a Challenge |
|---|---|
| Cost: Stellite 21 powder is more expensive than other wear-resistant materials. | May not be cost-effective for less demanding applications. |
| Difficult Machinability: The hardness of Stellite 21 can make it challenging to machine or process. | Requires specialized tools and techniques, leading to increased production time and costs. |
| Weight: Stellite 21 is heavier than lighter alloys like aluminum or titanium. | May not be suitable for applications where minimizing weight is critical, such as aerospace components. |
| Limited Availability: Not as widely available as more common materials. | May result in longer lead times for orders, depending on the supplier. |
FAQs About Stellite 21 Powder
To help you better understand Stellite 21 powder, here are some frequently asked questions along with detailed answers.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Stellite 21 powder used for? | It is used in industries like aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, power generation, and medical for high-temperature, wear-resistant components. |
| How much does Stellite 21 powder cost? | Prices typically range from $220 to $350 per kilogram, depending on the supplier and specific application. |
| Is Stellite 21 powder biocompatible? | Yes, it is biocompatible, making it suitable for medical implants and surgical tools. |
| What makes Stellite 21 powder corrosion-resistant? | The high chromium and molybdenum content in Stellite 21 powder provide excellent resistance to corrosion in both acidic and alkaline environments. |
| Can Stellite 21 powder be used in 3D printing? | Yes, Stellite 21 powder can be used in additive manufacturing processes like powder-bed fusion for creating high-performance parts. |
| What industries use Stellite 21 powder? | Industries such as aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, power generation, and medical use Stellite 21 powder for various high-performance applications. |
| How does Stellite 21 powder compare to other alloys? | Compared to other cobalt-based alloys, Stellite 21 offers better toughness but slightly lower hardness, making it more resistant to cracking under stress. |
| Is Stellite 21 powder magnetic? | No, Stellite 21 powder is generally non-magnetic, making it suitable for medical devices and other sensitive applications. |
Conclusion: Is Stellite 21 Powder Right for Your Project?
It offers an excellent combination of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance, making it a top choice for industries that demand durability under extreme conditions. Whether you’re working in aerospace, oil & gas, or medical devices,It delivers the toughness and reliability required for the most challenging applications.
While it may come with challenges such as higher costs and more difficult machinability, It remains an ideal material for those who need a solution that can withstand extreme wear, corrosion, and heat. Its versatility across multiple manufacturing processes, including thermal spraying and additive manufacturing, further broadens its appeal.
Ultimately, if you’re seeking a material that can handle the toughest environments while maintaining mechanical integrity, it could be the perfect fit for your next project!
Get Latest Price
About Met3DP
Product Category
HOT SALE
CONTACT US
Any questions? Send us message now! We’ll serve your request with a whole team after receiving your message.
Metal Powders for 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
COMPANY
PRODUCT
cONTACT INFO
- Qingdao City, Shandong, China
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- +86 19116340731