Cobalt-Chrome Alloy F1537 Alloy 2 vs L605
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · grade comparison
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy F1537 Alloy 2 and L605 are both cobalt-chrome alloy grades. F1537 Alloy 2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for L605, about 107% more; tensile strength follows at 1,280 MPa (186 ksi) vs 1,010 MPa (146 ksi). In exchange, L605 is the more ductile: elongation 58% versus 22% for F1537 Alloy 2, and F1537 Alloy 2 is harder (330 HB vs 240 HB). F1537 Alloy 2 is lighter (8.3 g/cm³ vs 9.13 g/cm³ for L605) and L605 runs hotter in service (980°C vs 600°C continuous). On the shop floor, L605 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended), L605 welds better (very good vs poor), and F1537 Alloy 2 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than L605 (specialty, $$$$$).
F1537 Alloy 2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
L605Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
F1537 Alloy 2 vs L605: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all cobalt-chrome alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all cobalt-chrome alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every cobalt-chrome alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | F1537 Alloy 2 | L605 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Solution Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Electropolishing | — | Yes |
| Passivation (Stainless Steel) | — | Yes |
F1537 Alloy 2 vs L605 — frequently asked
Is F1537 Alloy 2 stronger than L605?
Yes. F1537 Alloy 2 has a typical yield strength of 950 MPa (138 ksi) against 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) for L605 — about 107% more. Tensile strength is 1,280 MPa (186 ksi) vs 1,010 MPa (146 ksi).
Which is cheaper, F1537 Alloy 2 or L605?
F1537 Alloy 2 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while L605 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, F1537 Alloy 2 or L605?
L605. Its machinability rates poor (18/100) against not recommended (8/100) for F1537 Alloy 2; for welding the order is L605 first (very good, 72/100) then F1537 Alloy 2 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in F1537 Alloy 2 and L605 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.