Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Haynes 188 vs L605
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · grade comparison
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Haynes 188 and L605 are both cobalt-chrome alloy grades. Both yield at about 464 MPa — strength does not separate them. L605 is harder — 240 HB against 215 HB for Haynes 188 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Haynes 188 runs hotter in service (1,095°C vs 980°C continuous) and Haynes 188 conducts heat better (10.8 W/m·K vs 9.4 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Haynes 188 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than L605 (specialty, $$$$$).
Haynes 188Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
L605Choose it when surface hardness matters.
Haynes 188 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Strength 620 MPa89.9 ksi
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Latent Heat of Fusion
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).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 12%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 19 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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 | Haynes 188 | L605 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Solution Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Electropolishing | — | Yes |
| Passivation (Stainless Steel) | — | Yes |
Haynes 188 vs L605 — frequently asked
What is the difference between Haynes 188 and L605?
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Haynes 188 and L605 are both cobalt-chrome alloy grades. Both yield at about 464 MPa — strength does not separate them. L605 is harder — 240 HB against 215 HB for Haynes 188 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads.
Which is cheaper, Haynes 188 or L605?
Haynes 188 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while L605 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose Haynes 188 over L605?
Pick Haynes 188 when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor. Pick L605 when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Haynes 188 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.