Cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloys (also Mo, Ni, Fe, C, Si and B can also be used), frequently called stellites, are a group of wear and corrosion resistant alloys which are used for bearings, valve seats and pistons, mill inliners, and applications where a tough wear resistant material is required. They are applied either by hard facing as welding electrodes or powder spraying, or as massive forms produced by casting. The properties of stellite metal cutting tools are in the middle between those of high speed steels and cemented carbides, but stellite has lost its importance as cutting material due to modern cemented carbides. However, stellites have gained importance in the food industry due to their excellent corrosion resistance.
Note: Stellite® is the registered trade-name of Deloro Stellite Inc