In the aerospace industry, where performance and reliability are paramount, materials must withstand some of the harshest environments imaginable. A standout material solution to these challenges is Kennametal Stellite’s family of Tribaloy alloys. These metal alloys are designed to have outstanding resistance to metal-to-metal wear, galling, abrasion, oxidation and corrosion, and are particularly suitable for applications where lubrication is limited or absent. These unique properties have enabled the Tribaloy family of materials to contribute to the longevity and efficiency of the aerospace industry across variety of components and applications.
Enhancing Aerospace Performance with Kennametal’s Stellite Tribaloy™ Alloys
What are Tribaloy Alloys?
Tribaloy alloys are a family of specialized metal alloys composed of a cobalt or nickel-base, and a high concentration of molybdenum. From this addition of Mo, the microstructure forms a large volume fraction of a hard primary intermetallic Laves phase. This Laves structure is key to the alloys’ impressive hardness and dry lubrication properties, which excel in applications where high temperatures and minimal lubrication access exists.
Key Properties of Tribaloy Alloys
- High Hardness and Wear Resistance: Highly durable, Tribaloy alloys retain hardness even at elevated temperatures, which makes them perfect for high-stress applications reducing wear.
- Corrosion Resistance: The unique composition allows for excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, crucial for components exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
- Low Friction Coefficiency: With a polished surface finish, these alloys generally exhibit a low and constant friction coefficient, reducing wear when in contact with themselves or dissimilar metals.
Key Properties of Tribaloy Alloys
- High Hardness and Wear Resistance: Highly durable, Tribaloy alloys retain hardness even at elevated temperatures, which makes them perfect for high-stress applications reducing wear.
- Corrosion Resistance: The unique composition allows for excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, crucial for components exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
- Low Friction Coefficiency: With a polished surface finish, these alloys generally exhibit a low and constant friction coefficient, reducing wear when in contact with themselves or dissimilar metals.
Common Tribaloy Alloys
Kennametal Stellite offers a range of Tribaloy alloys, each tailored for specific applications:
- T-400: A CoCrMo-based alloy with a hardness of 51-58 HRC, T-400 is known for its excellent wear and corrosion resistance. It is the most popular choice in the Tribaloy family and performs well across various temperatures.
- T-400C: Similar to T-400 but with higher chromium content (48-56 HRC), T-400C offers improved oxidation resistance and high-temperature wear resistance, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
- T-800: Another CoCrMo alloy, T-800 has a hardness of 54-62 HRC. It is specifically designed for high-temperature wear and abrasion resistance, featuring exceptional oxidation and corrosion resistance.
- T-900: A CoCrMoNi-based alloy with enhanced crack resistance and a hardness of 52-57 HRC, T-900 can be PTA welded with a preheat of 500°F. It exhibits similar wear resistance to T-800 under low loads but outperforms it under high loads.
Applications in Aerospace
The aerospace sector utilizes a variety of components that can greatly benefit from the unique properties of the Tribaloy family. Some key areas of application include turbine engines and exhaust valves that perform under high temperatures and combustion areas. In these environments where lubrication is minimal, Tribaloy alloys offer a robust solution ensuring these components function optimally.
Advantages of Using Tribaloy Alloys in Aerospace
From our expertly crafted products to our exceptionally knowledgeable team, there are many proven advantages to using Kennametal Stellite’s Tribaloy. Let’s take a closer look at the specific advantages our products have to offer within aerospace.
- Longevity Takes Flight: By integrating Tribaloy into aerospace applications, manufacturers can significantly extend the life of components. This longevity reduces maintenance costs and enhances aircraft reliability and safety.
- Downtime is Grounded: With the impressive durability of Tribaloy, aircrafts can spend less time in the hangar and more time soaring through the skies. Fewer replacements and repairs mean less downtime, allowing for aircraft operators to maximize efficiency and take advantage of cost saving opportunities.
- Performance Under Pressure: Specifically designed to perform under extreme conditions and challenging environments, Tribaloy is an ideal choice for use in aerospace applications.
Product Forms Available
Tribaloy alloys come in various product forms to meet diverse application needs:
- Metal Powders
- Hardfacing Rods
- Castings
- Finish Machined Components
Disclaimer for Metal Powders and Hardfacing Powders:
Undiluted weld metal hardness is reported. Depending upon the process parameters and the extent of dilution, the hardness of the weld deposit may vary from that provided in the above product description.
Summary
The Tribaloy family of alloys plays a vital role in extending the lifespan of equipment, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Their defining feature is that the microstructure contains a large volume fraction of a hard primary intermetallic Laves phase which enables outstanding resistance to metal-to-metal wear, galling, abrasion, oxidation and corrosion. These alloys have proven to be particularly suitable in keeping critical components operating effectively under across the aerospace sector.
Kennametal Stellite has experience in the production of a wide variety of specialty alloys. Contact us if you have a special application or custom alloy.
