Elgiloy: A High-Performance Cobalt-Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum Alloy

Elgiloy is a high-performance cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy known for its high strength, corrosion resistance, excellent fatigue strength, and biocompatibility.

Elgiloy is a registered trademark of Elgiloy Specialty Metals. The alloy was developed in the late 1960s to meet the demand for materials with outstanding mechanical and corrosion resistance properties.

Composition and Manufacturing Process

Elgiloy alloy primarily consists of cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and iron, with the following composition:

• Cobalt (Co): ~40–45%

• Chromium (Cr): ~20–23%

• Nickel (Ni): ~14–16%

• Molybdenum (Mo): ~4.0–6.0%

• Iron (Fe): Balance

The manufacturing process includes Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) and Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR), ensuring high purity and uniformity. The material then undergoes hot rolling, cold working, and heat treatment to achieve the required mechanical and metallurgical properties.

Applications

Due to its exceptional properties, Elgiloy alloy is widely used across multiple industries:

• Medical Industry: Used in medical stents and surgical instruments.

• Aerospace: Utilized for high-strength and corrosion-resistant components.

• Oil & Chemical Industry: Performs exceptionally well in harsh acid well environments, with resistance to sulfide stress corrosion cracking.

• Semiconductor Industry: Used in diaphragm valve membranes, valued for its high strength, hardness, and elasticity.

• Military Applications: Some military products also incorporate Elgiloy alloy.