Definition

Noun: A very hard, wear-resistant alloy composed primarily of cobalt and chromium, often with additions of tungsten and carbon. It is used for making cutting tools and for coating surfaces that are exposed to severe friction, high temperatures, or corrosive environments.

Usage

Stellite is used as a material noun. It refers to the specific alloy itself or to objects made from it. * The valve seats were coated with stellite to prevent erosion. * Stellite is known for its excellent resistance to heat and corrosion. * The machinist used a stellite tip on the cutting tool.

Advanced Usage

• As a proprietary eponym: While "Stellite" is technically a trademark (originally from Deloro Stellite), it is often used generically in engineering and metallurgy to refer to cobalt-chromium superalloys with similar properties.
  • Several manufacturers produce stellite-type alloys for the aerospace industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Stelliting (gerund/noun): The process of applying a stellite coating to a surface, typically through welding or thermal spraying.
  • The stelliting of the turbine blade edges significantly extended their service life.

Synonyms

• Cobalt-chromium alloy: A more technical, descriptive synonym.
• Hard-facing alloy: A broader category that includes stellite and other materials used to make surfaces wear-resistant.
• Superalloy: A general term for high-performance alloys, often including stellite types, used in extreme conditions.

Related Phrases

• Stellite alloy: A common phrase used to specify the material.
  • The component is made from a stellite alloy.
• Stellite coating / layer / facing: Phrases describing the application of stellite onto another material.
  • The part has a stellite coating to resist abrasion.

Noun

1. a very hard alloy of cobalt and chromium with cobalt as the principal ingredient; used to make cutting tools and for surfaces subject to heavy wear