Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Stellite 6 vs Vicalloy
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy · grade comparison
Cobalt-Chrome Alloy Stellite 6 and Vicalloy are both cobalt-chrome alloy grades. Vicalloy is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) against 541 MPa (78.5 ksi) for Stellite 6, about 131% more; tensile strength follows at 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) vs 834 MPa (121 ksi). Vicalloy is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1% for Stellite 6, and Vicalloy is harder (50 HRC vs 40 HRC). Stellite 6 is stiffer (220 GPa vs 190 GPa) and Stellite 6 runs hotter in service (800°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, Vicalloy machines more easily (poor vs not recommended), Stellite 6 welds better (good vs poor), and Vicalloy sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Stellite 6 (specialty, $$$$$).
Stellite 6Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
VicalloyChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Stellite 6 vs Vicalloy: 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
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 25 MPa·√m22.8 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf
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)
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
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | Stellite 6 | Vicalloy |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Stellite 6 vs Vicalloy — frequently asked
Is Vicalloy stronger than Stellite 6?
Yes. Vicalloy has a typical yield strength of 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) against 541 MPa (78.5 ksi) for Stellite 6 — about 131% more. Tensile strength is 1,500 MPa (218 ksi) vs 834 MPa (121 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Stellite 6 or Vicalloy?
Vicalloy is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Stellite 6 is specialty ($$$$$). 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, Stellite 6 or Vicalloy?
Vicalloy. Its machinability rates poor (22/100) against not recommended (8/100) for Stellite 6; for welding the order is Stellite 6 first (good, 55/100) then Vicalloy (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Stellite 6 and Vicalloy 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.