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ULTIMET Welding Wire — Cobalt-Alloy TIG Filler Rod & MIG Supplier in India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified stockist, dealer, trading company, and supplier of ULTIMET welding wire, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum-tungsten (Co-Cr-Ni-Mo-W) filler metal based in Mumbai, India. We provide these ULTIMET welding wires manufactured in compliance with the ASTM B818 standard.
This cobalt alloy welding wire is specified by its UNS number, UNS R31233. ULTIMET occupies a unique space between Stellite hardfacing alloys and Hastelloy corrosion-resistant alloys. Its cobalt matrix of approximately 54% delivers galling, cavitation, and slurry erosion resistance comparable to low-carbon Stellite grades, while 26% Cr + 5% Mo + 2% W gives it an excellent chloride pitting resistance. ULTIMET has nearly 0.06% C and roughly 9% Ni. This combination produces 12 to 20% as-welded elongation. This enables crack-free multi-layer deposits on carbon steel, stainless steel, and duplex substrates with no preheat and no butter layer. The deposits start at 30–35 HRC and work-harden in service to approximately RC50 through stress-induced HCP ε-martensite transformation.
ULTIMET welding wires are used in various industries such as valve component overlay, marine riser tensioners, oil & gas, slurry, rock & acid tumblers, mixers & impellers, and pulp & paper. The available diameters range from 0.9 to 1.6 mm for MIG and 1.6 to 3.2 mm for TIG rods. We stock TIG filler rods, MIG spools with RTW™ finish, and SMAW coated electrodes for overlay, cladding, and hardfacing for many applications. Every shipment from Nicorex Alloys is provided with EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates and full traceability documentation.
ULTIMET Filler Metal Specifications
The ULTIMET filler metal specifications covering standards, wire forms, diameters, welding parameters, and other details are listed below.
| UNS Number | R31233 |
|---|---|
| Standards | B818 (wire), B815 (rod), B816 (plate/sheet/strip) |
| Welding Processes | GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SMAW, PAW |
| Polarity | TIG: DCEN MIG / SMAW: DCEP |
| Shielding Gas | TIG: 100% Argon MIG: Ar-based (no pure CO₂) |
| TIG Rod Diameters | 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 mm |
| TIG Rod Length | 914 mm (36″) |
| MIG Wire Diameters | 0.9, 1.1, 1.6 mm |
| MIG Spool Size | 11.4 kg (25 lb) standard coil |
| SMAW Electrode Diameters | 3.2, 4.0 mm |
| Interpass Temperature | Control recommended per Haynes overlay guidelines |
| Density | ~8.5 g/cm³ |
No preheat is needed: a major advantage over traditional Stellite hardfacing, which often requires 300–500°C preheat to prevent transverse cracking. Multi-layer deposits stay crack-free with no butter layer between the ULTIMET overlay and a carbon or low-alloy steel substrate.
Chemical Composition of ULTIMET® Weld Deposit (%)
The ULTIMET weld deposit chemistry and its key alloying elements is mentioned in the table below:
| Element | Cobalt (Co) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Iron (Fe) | Tungsten (W) | Manganese (Mn) | Silicon (Si) | Nitrogen (N) | Carbon (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal (wt%) | Balance (~54) | 26 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.08 | 0.06 |
The 0.06% C is 20× lower than Stellite 6 (~1.2% C) and 4× lower than Stellite 21 (~0.25% C). Instead of brittle primary carbides, ULTIMET derives hardness from cold-work-induced HCP ε-martensite transformation in the cobalt matrix: a tough, ductile, work-hardened surface. The 9% Ni addition is unique among cobalt hardfacing alloys, significantly improving elongation to 12–20% compared to <5% for traditional Stellite deposits.
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties of ULTIMET Wire
The mechanical properties of ULTIMET welding wire, including tensile and yield strength, elongation, and hardness, are covered in the table below:
| Process | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%) | Elongation | Hardness (as-deposited) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTAW (TIG) | ~896–965 MPa (130–140 ksi) | ~483–552 MPa (70–80 ksi) | 12–20% | ~30–35 HRC |
| GMAW (MIG) | ~862–931 MPa (125–135 ksi) | ~448–517 MPa (65–75 ksi) | 12–18% | ~30–35 HRC |
The 12–20% AWM elongation is the defining differentiator from Stellite 6 (typically 1–3%) and Stellite 21 (typically 5–8%). This ductility enables crack-free multi-layer deposits: something not possible with standard Stellite hardfacing alloys on restrained structures.
Get ULTIMET Welding Wire at Competitive Prices
Industrial Applications of ULTIMET Welding Wire
ULTIMET cladding wire and overlay wire serve six applications where dual wear and corrosion resistance are required in a single weld deposit.
- Anti-galling overlay on valve seating surfaces, gate faces, ball surfaces, and stem packing areas.
- Wear- and corrosion-resistant overlay on marine riser tensioner components, large hydraulic system pistons, and pump shafts.
- Weld overlay on u-bends, piping, and valves conveying sour crudes containing abrasive sand plus H₂S, CO₂, and chlorides.
- Mining slurry pumps, rock tumblers, acid mixers, impellers, and screw conveyors.wire joins multiple Hastelloy grades (C-276, C-22, C-4) and Mo-bearing stainless steels in a single consumable. Weld overlay cladding on carbon steel vessels is another common use where broad corrosion coverage matters more than matching one specific base alloy.
- Fan blades in black liquor recovery, digester internals, and scrubber components.
- Make/break seal welds in threaded unions where galling resistance is critical. Glass plunger overlays for hot glass forming equipment. Dies, extruders, and nozzles.
Storage & Handling of ULTIMET Filler Wire
Store ULTIMET welding wire in a clean, dry environment. Avoid contamination from sulphur, lead, zinc, and copper. Handle with clean gloves and use dedicated stainless steel or cobalt-alloy tools: never carbon steel. Store TIG rods in sealed tubes. Keep MIG spool covers on when not in use. Hold SMAW electrodes in a heated oven at 120–200°C after opening. Degrease both the base metal and the filler surface before welding.
Available Forms, Diameters & Packaging of ULTIMET Welding Filler Wire
ULTIMET filler wire is stocked in the following forms and packaging configurations:
| Form | Diameters | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| TIG Rod (GTAW) | 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 mm | 914 mm (36″) lengths, 5 kg tubes |
| MIG Wire (GMAW) | 0.9, 1.1, 1.6 mm | 11.4 kg (25 lb) coils, reels |
| SMAW Electrode | 3.2, 4.0 mm | Sealed cans |
| Coils / Reels | Various | Custom sizes |
How to Order ULTIMET Welding Wire from Nicorex Alloys
Specify the following details when requesting a quotation for ULTIMET welding wire from Nicorex Alloys:
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Wire Type — GTAW /GMAW Solid Wire for Weld Overlay Cladding on Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels
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Size — 1.2mm (GMAW spools) / 1.6mm / 2.4mm / 3.2mm (GTAW cut lengths, 914mm) — specify form
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Current Type — DCEN (GTAW) / DCEP (GMAW) — specify process and diameter
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Welding Position — Flat & Horizontal preferred for overlay — specify if positional welding required
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Material Grade — Cobalt-Base Alloy Welding Wire / UNS R31233 / Haynes ULTIMET®
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Quantity — Number of spools/packs or total weight in kg
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Standard — ASTM 818
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Documentation — MTC EN 10204 3.1/3.2, PMI Report, Weld Deposit Composition Report, Mechanical Properties Report, TPI Certificate
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Packaging — Vacuum-sealed foil bag with silica gel desiccant, ISPM 15 compliant export cartons with full labelling
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Delivery Destination — Domestic / International (specify port of discharge or delivery address)
Specify by trade name plus UNS number. Matching consumable sets are available: ULTIMET TIG rod + ULTIMET MIG wire + ULTIMET SMAW electrode.
Frequently Asked Questions — ULTIMET Welding Wire
What is the Hardness of ULTIMET Weld Deposits?
As-deposited hardness is approximately 30–35 HRC. Through cold working (peening, machining, impingement, service wear), ULTIMET deposits harden progressively: ~40 HRC at 10% CW, ~45 HRC at 20% CW, and ~RC50 at 30% CW. The surface gets harder during use while retaining bulk ductility.
Can ULTIMET Wire be Deposited on Duplex Stainless Steel without Cracking?
Yes. Traditional Stellite 6 (1.2% C) frequently cracks when deposited on duplex stainless steel due to its inherent brittleness, combined with heat input restrictions required for duplex. ULTIMET with 0.06% C and 12–20% ductility produces crack-free deposits on duplex substrates without preheat.
Does ULTIMET Welding Wire Require Preheat or Post-Weld Heat Treatment?
No preheat and no PWHT are required for ULTIMET overlay applications. Room temperature is sufficient for crack-free multi-layer deposits. Stellite 6 typically requires 300–500°C preheat to prevent transverse cracking. If the base metal requires solution annealing after overlay, use 1177°C (2150°F) with water quench.
What is the Pitting Resistance of ULTIMET Compared to Hastelloy C-276?
When the ULTIMET welding wire is subjected to a harsh and aggressive testing of a chemical solution (11.5% H₂SO₄ + 1.2% HCl + 1% FeCl₃ + 1% CuCl₂), its Critical Pitting Temperature is equal to or greater than Hastelloy C-22HS and higher than C-276.
When should you not use ULTIMET Welding Wire?
Avoid ULTIMET in pure corrosion service without wear. Use ERNiCrMo-4 (C-276) or ERNiCrMo-10 (C-22) instead. Where maximum initial hardness is needed without post-deposition work hardening, Stellite 6 (ERCoCr-A) deposits at 38–45 HRC as-welded versus ULTIMET at 30–35 HRC. ULTIMET is also a premium consumable. Specify only when both wear and corrosion resistance are required. As with all cobalt alloys, verify nuclear restrictions due to Co-60 activation concerns under neutron flux.