A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Hastelloy B3 Properties & Application

Are you seeking a high-performance alloy with unique mechanical and corrosion resistance features? Hastelloy B3 is the metal you are looking for, as it has excellent weldability and formability. It has better features than Hastelloy B2 alloy. 

In any case, the alloy offers increased resistance to halides such as hydrochloric acid. This article provides a complete guide on Hastelloy B3 machinability, density, chemical composition, and properties. 

Hastelloy B3 Overview

Hastelloy B3 is one of the eight variants of Hastelloy alloys. They include Elgiloy Specialty Metals’ products in precision-rolled alloy strips, foil, bars, or wire. Hastelloy alloys consist of 0.15% carbon, 1.5% to 2.5% manganese, 6% to 8% molybdenum, 11.3% to 20.5% iron, 14% to 16% nickel, 19% to 21% chromium, and 39% to 41% cobalt. 

The alloys are common in springs for high strength & corrosion resistance features, good fatigue life, and elasticity. In general, the Hastelloy B3 family comprises nickel-molybdenum alloys with an average of 30% molybdenum and 65% nickel. 

Hastelloy alloys are in high demand since they can combat high-temperature and high-stress environments. Another excellent benefit of using these alloys is that they can resist hydrochloric acid under any concentration and temperature.

Besides, Hastelloy B3 can vigorously combat non-oxidizing agents and other corrosive agents like hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid. The alloy has excellent corrosion resistance under localized and uniform alloy attacks.

Meanwhile, Hastelloy B3 features superior thermal stability since it has an optimum balance in minor elements and molybdenum content. But the low 2% chromium content makes it unsuitable for tasks involving strong oxidizing agents and hypochlorite bleach.

Oxidizing salts like cupric and ferric can result in premature Hastelloy B3 failure. These oxidizing salts may develop over time due to hydrochloric acid passage through copper or iron pipes. Handling and fabrication might also deteriorate it, but it is a superalloy.

Another unique feature of the Hastelloy B3 metal is its high elasticity, even under thermal cycling applications like heat treatment. The high elasticity in thermal cycling operations makes the alloy easier to fabricate. 

In the meantime, the alloy has less tendency to produce Ni4Mo, even in the gamma phase. It withstands embrittlement longer than Hastelloy B2 at a higher temperature. Hence, manufacturers can work it into many complex components & shapes. 

Besides taking several hours to brittle, the alloy also has strong resistance to heat-affected or knife-line zone attack, stress-corrosion cracking, and pitting. It is common in processing and producing concentrated acids. Hastelloy can suit vacuum furnaces and mechanical components. 

Manufacturers use it in numerous chemical processing applications, like making plants for acetic anhydride, phenol, and ethyl-benzene production. Other typical applications include distillation equipment, chemical reactors, nuclear reactors, and chloroprene production pressure vessels. 

You can either hot-work or forge the alloy. Before working on it, heat it to 1230°C (2250°F). In any case, shielded metal, gas tungsten, and gas metal arc welding work well for Hastelloy B3. But submerged and oxyacetylene arc welding can deprecate the alloy’s corrosion resistance. 

You can also mold components with Hastelloy B3 through cold-working methods. However, the alloy hardens rapidly in cold-working, demanding more annealing and cold-working stages. It might also reduce the alloy’s stress corrosion cracking resistance.

Hastelloy B3 Formats

• Hastelloy B3 Coil

Manufacturers produce Hastelloy B3 coils for pipe manufacturing, metal stamped parts, equipment, panels, and other applications. The coils feature different sizes and shapes to suit various applications. Most importantly, the coiling process helps to strengthen the alloy, making it ideal for heavy weights.

• Hastelloy B3 Strip

Metal strips suit hot water tanks, dishwashers, tumble dryers, and refrigerators. Thus, manufacturers produce such strips to suit similar applications. Hastelloy B3 strips have easy machinability.

• Hastelloy B3 Rod

Hastelloy B3 rods comprise specially formed alloy & metal pieces with a rod-like aesthetic shape. Generally, metal rods are suitable for unique applications, such as building structures. You can form these rods through cold-drawn processes. But they come with less carbon content than bars, lowering their hardness & strength properties.

• Hastelloy B3 Bar

Since bars feature high strength and durability, they can be an ideal option for boosting tensile strength in structures. Manufacturers cast Hastelloy B3 into block shapes for convenient handling. Yet, the bars have different sizes and forms to suit different industrial applications.

• Hastelloy B3 Sheet

Manufacturers produce alloy sheets for many intense applications such as farming, electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Hastelloy B3 sheets come with high versatility and strength, making them suitable for parts such as housings, cabinets, welding, assemblies, brackets, and enclosures.

• Hastelloy B3 Pipe

Hastelloy B3 pipes have numerous applications, such as sewerage systems, natural gas, water supply systems, and moving raw or semi-processed fluids. The high-strength metal is suitable for transporting aggressive fluids like exhaust gas, chemicals, and contaminated wastewater.

• Hastelloy B3 Forgings

Manufacturers produce forgings for metal parts. Metal forgings form the sturdiest metal parts. The forging process involves pressing and heating the alloy to seal its minor cracks and empty spaces. Hastelloy forgings are ideal for strengthening hand tools like bolts, screws, rivets, and chisels.  

Hastelloy B3 Manufacturing Process

The process of manufacturing Hastelloy B3 is like most other alloy production processes. It involves smelting individual elements to form a pure final product. Here is a simple guide to help you understand the Hastelloy B3 manufacturing process.

• Smelting

The first step is smelting several metallic elements to kick-start the manufacturing process. You must specifically proportion and prepare the raw materials before you place them in a heating furnace for melting. 

Typically, most elements melt together at higher temperatures of about 1600°C to 1800°C. You may use an induction arc furnace or electric furnace, based on the target grade.

• Casting

The casting process comes immediately after smelting. It involves pouring the molten products into an ingot mold or prefab billet to attain the desired cavity shapes. Most billets and molds have ceramic and graphite material. You may preheat the billet to prevent the molten product from solidifying faster.

• Rolling

This step involves reheating the Hastelloy B3 ingots or billet to temperatures of about 1100°C and 1300°C. Hence, you can roll them into bars, flat sheets, or the form you desire through the hot rolling process. It would be best to allow the bars or sheets to cool at room temperature.

• Forging

Forging involves reheating the Hastelloy B3 bars or sheets you rolled to about 1300°C. Hence, you can reshape it by compressing it into the final shape using hammers and forging presses. Generally, forging is critical for boosting the alloy’s durability and strength.

• Heat Treatment

Another critical step in the Hastelloy B3 manufacturing process is heating the final alloy you forged to temperatures of about 1050°C and 1150°C. After the heat treatment process, you may cool the final alloy. Hastelloy B3 heat treatment is vital since it improves mechanical features, making them corrosion and oxidation resistant.

Inspecting the final Hastelloy for defects like porosity and cracks would be best. Some manufacturers may end the production process at this stage, but further applications and processes are critical to meet the quality standards. Parts with any defects may not suit the application. 

• Annealing & Tempering

You can cold roll Hastelloy B3 into various tempers. Annealing involves a heat treatment procedure that reduces material hardness and increases elasticity. The change in elasticity and hardness results from the dislocation reduction in the alloy’s crystal structure.

• Finishes

Hastelloy finishes available include:

• Hot rolled descaled & annealed finish available in ribbon, foil, and strip. The finish suits applications that require a smooth decorative appearance.
• Dull descaled, annealed & rolled finish applies to parts requiring lubrication and deep drawn parts.
• The smooth descaled, annealed & rolled finish features a light cold pass following annealing with polished rolls. Thus, it is brighter than the dull finish.
• Bright cold rolled & annealed finish.
• Course bright cold rolled & annealed matte finish.
• Wire finishes

Hastelloy B3 Chemical Composition

Hastelloy B3 is primarily an iron-based superalloy containing molybdenum and nickel as the most dominant elements. The chemical composition varies slightly based on the producer. Nonetheless, it features 2% to 4% iron, 0.03% to 0.10% carbon, and traces of elements like a surfer.

The alloy also contains 0.5% to 2% manganese, up to 7% molybdenum, 4% tungsten, 4% cobalt, 29% chromium, and 57% to 60% nickel. Hastelloy B3 has excellent resistance against reducing agents like hydrochloric acid across all temperatures and concentration ranges.

It also suits applications with phosphoric, acetic, and sulfuric acids. Yet, components like copper or iron salts with oxidizing effects pose challenges during application. But it exhibits a lower tendency to react in temperatures ranging from 500 – 820 °C.

Since the alloy contains less than 0.01% carbon content, it can suit the as-welded condition. Nevertheless, avoiding excessive heating during the finishing process is critical to attaining the desired grain size. You do not have to preheat the material before annealing.

Hastelloy B3 works best at temperatures between -184°C and 900°C. Overall, the alloy is exceptionally versatile as it can withstand high temperature & high-stress applications. High-quality Hastelloy B3 alloys undergo solution heat treatment at 1065°C before quenching. 

Furthermore, annealed coil or strip products feature up to 1150°C heat treatment and cooling in hydrogen. Other Hastelloy Variants include Hastelloy N, Hastelloy X, Hastelloy G-30, Hastelloy G-3, Hastelloy c-2000, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy C-22, Hastelloy C-4, and Hastelloy B2. 

Hastelloy B3 Machinability, Cutting & Grinding

Working with Hastelloy B3 implies that work hardening from temperature rises might happen if the cutting and machining tools are inefficient. The leading cause for such a situation is that the tool might lose sharpness over time, significantly impacting tool replacement costs and machining time.

The situation might worsen if you do not plan well to combat rigidity and speed. Simply put, you must reduce machining time by applying controlled coolant or cutting fluid amounts to avoid premature galling and wear.

When working with Hastelloy B3, the recommended cutting speed ranges from 15 to 61 meters per minute and 3 to 15 meters per minute for drilling operations. Meanwhile, high-speed cobalt and steel suit the alloy’s machining.

In cutting & grinding applications with hand tools, ceramic materials or composite discs are suitable for evading tool tip concerns. You must lubricate the cutting disc material to lower the temperature and reduce work hardening.

Hastelloy B3 Mechanical & Physical Properties

Hastelloy B3 6-Advantages and 3-Disadvantages

Pros

• Corrosion Resistance

Hastelloy B3 features excellent pitting and corrosion resistance. The alloy also has better plus thermal stability than the B2 variant and good stress-corrosion cracking resistance. It has perfect reducing agent resistance across all concentrations and temperatures.

It suits acetic, phosphoric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid applications. In addition, the alloy features great heat-affected zone and knife-line attack resistance. But oxidizing agents like iron and copper salts can lower corrosion resistance in demanding applications.

In simple terms, Hastelloy B3 can deliver fantastic long-term results without corrosion resistance challenges. The alloy’s unique feature makes it suitable for highly corrosive processes like oil & gas that involve high corrosion risk.

• Strength & Durability

The metal strength is crucial in determining the impact the product can take before losing shape or deforming. It also determines the durability of the metal’s products, which determines its costs and applications. Strength and durability are vital for applications with frequent collisions and hammering.

In any case, the metal’s impact strength means its ability to absorb collision energy while combating fracturing and cracking. Hastelloy B3 forging and heat treatment to boost its strength and durability. It improves the alloy’s mechanical properties by rendering it oxidant and corrosion-resistant.

Further production processes like tempering and annealing promote elasticity and lower material hardness. It also allows the manufacturer to inspect the final product for cracks and porosity. Overall, Hastelloy B3 features excellent corrosion resistance, which promotes durability.

• Non Magnetic

Non-magnetic metals can be an important distinction when you choose the ideal metal for your application. Ferromagnetic alloys have iron content. Thus, they can get magnetized, while non-magnetic metals don’t. Instead, metals like Hastelloy B3 repel magnets.

Hastelloy B3 has non-magnetic features that give it several pros over magnetic alloys. Its better features include improved weldability, excellent corrosion resistance, and higher tensile strength. Besides, it is lighter than most magnetic metals, rendering it straightforward to transport and lift.

• Easy Machinability

Machinability determines the ease of application for metals in shear stress, specific horsepower, and energy. Alloys with larger specific power values or shear pressure have tough processes for forming & machining. Thus, they may require more time and energy to machine.

Hastelloy B3 is a good alloy that demands little energy to cut, does not incur regular wear on the tolling, makes it easy to attain a fine finish, and takes less time to machine. The recommended drilling speed ranges from 3 to 15 meters per minute and 15 to 61 meters per minute for the cutting speed.

• Weldability

Weldability describes the ease of joining metals. You can weld many thermoplastics and metals, but some are complex. Therefore, weldability helps determine the welding process’s ease and quality of the finished weld. It is not easy to differentiate weldability, but metals are in different weldability categories. 

Hastelloy B3 has the best results working with Gas Tungsten Arc, Gas Metal Arc, and Shielded Metal Arc welding processes. However, matching other filler metals, such as solid wires and coated electrodes, is vital for better results. 

Moderate reductions, frequent re-heating, annealing, and cold forming can improve welding features. Checking on spinning, punching, shearing, and drop hammering is vital to enhancing welding. Besides, frequent anneal is critical for reducing corrosion. 

• Low Thermal Expansion

The thermal expansion coefficient ratio indicates how the metal can elongate at one degree Celsius. In general, the coefficient ratio is crucial since it determines the crystals’ thermal stability. In other words, the thermal expansion ratio of a metal determines its thermal shock resistance features.

It is critical to check thermal shock resistance characteristics before selecting a metal for your project. Hastelloy B3 has excellent corrosion, thermal, and knife-cutting resistance that promotes its durability and strength.

Cons

• Cost

Quality Hastelloy B3 products must pass strict certification processes. Thus, the price of the alloy is considerably high. It costs about $1.75 per Ib, but the price is subject to changes in the market condition. Hastelloy B3 has a higher price since it has features that alloy B2 lacks.

Overall, the alloy has better resistance to all non-oxidizing mediums, formic acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid. It costs about $48.49 per KG in India, $66.68 per KG in Japan, $72.74 in the United Kingdom, and $84.85 in the United States.

Factors like the availability of raw materials and access to technology for investing in large-scale production may impact the price. This statement explains why the price may vary from one country to another. Besides, different countries have different production approval procedures.

• Brittleness

Hastelloy B3 may showcase some brittleness features resulting from slip systems. Metals with more slip systems have less brittle since deformation can occur along the slip systems. In other words, brittleness is a unique property that allows the alloy to withstand deformation. Hastelloy B3 has poor brittleness.

• Stress cracking

Stress cracking occurs when a crack forms or develops on a metal due to exposure to corrosive application. The cracks can result in sudden and unexpected ductile metal alloy failure under tensile stress. Hastelloy B3 can develop a few stress cracks over time. It can react with iron and copper salts, which poses challenges of oxidizing effects.

Unique Hastelloy Characteristics and Properties

Hastelloy is primarily a nickel-molybdenum alloy available in various grades, including Hastelloy B3. Each type has unique properties that suit a specific application. In any case, molybdenum makes the alloy stronger and harder at high temperatures.

The characteristics and alloying element that molybdenum imbues into the alloy make it ideal for welding tasks. It can cold-work, exhibits good elasticity, and can form & fabricate quickly. The best part is that all Hastelloy grades are corrosion-resistant since each grade showcases superior resistance in common corrosive conditions.

They are an excellent choice for moderate corrosive applications since they highly resist reducing agents and oxidizing salts. Generally, Elgiloy Specialty Metals feature 40 high-performance alloys for medical, dental, oil & gas, power generation, chemical processing, and aerospace applications.

Most applications require rolled wire or strips with varying stainless steel, titanium, cobalt, and nickel grades. The alloy’s rolling machinery can withstand 7” to 15” widths and 0.0008” to 0.100” gauges. Overall, the alloy features the light gauge strip form. 

Hastelloy B3 Availability and Application

Petrochemical processes that involve highly flammable gasses & fluids have explosion risks from leakages. Therefore, reducing spark potential and improving plant integrity are critical. 

Hastelloy B3 is a non-ferrous and less hazardous alloy than carbon steel. It has better spark generation but produces lower-energy red sparks in grinding and cutting applications.

All the same, using the alloy for petrochemical processes and piping equipment like heat exchangers lowers the risk. The cold-work alloy facilitates better results than a hot work permit system. In the meantime, its austenitic stainless steel-like features make it suitable for welding processes.

But the alloy has a lower coefficient thermal expansion like steel as they use similar distortion control measures. The alloy is a common choice in chemical processes involving several reactive elements. Chemical processes use strong alloys like Hastelloy B3 to ensure optimal production.

The alloy’s corrosion resistance feature protects equipment in chemical processes with aggressive reactions. Above all, all the metal is suitable for power & heat generation as they ensure the structural integrity of the infrastructure under extreme conditions.

Some examples of power production processes include renewable energy plants, nuclear plants, and fossil fuel power plants. Other Hastelloy B3 applications include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, geothermal, mining, pulp & paper, and oil & gas.

Hastelloy B3 Welding and Fabrication

Hastelloy B3 is amenable to Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Tungsten Arc, and Gas Metal Arc welding procedures. You must ensure that you match the filler metals like coated electrodes & solid wires to attain the best results from the welding process.

Hastelloy B3 products in the Mill Annealed state typically bear excellent results unless the application demands otherwise. The mini-annealing solution is critical for optimizing its elasticity and corrosion resistance. But re-annealing after all hot treatment steps is vital for restoring optimum results.

When dealing with cold-formed Hastelloy B3 components, you should perform solution annealing before the subsequent welding & fabrication with over 7% cold work. Failure to adhere to this step will render the alloy rampant to cracking in the welded part.

The cracking might appear impractical until several months of service. But you must ensure perfection using well-controlled furnace annealings processes like rapid cooling, precise temperature control, and fast heat-up rate.

You can anneal Hastelloy B3 at 1066°C and apply water quenching. Besides, holding it at the annealing temperature for ten to 30 minutes will give you better results based on the structure thickness. Unfortunately, you cannot hot form, extrude, hot upset, hot roll, or hot forge the alloy.

It is more sensitive to strain rates than stainless steel with a narrow hot working temperature. For instance, experts recommend starting forging at 1232°C and finishing at 982°C. In simple terms, frequent re-heating and moderate reductions will improve the results.

Other critical welding processes for the alloy include shearing, punching, drop hammering, spinning, and cold forming. Nonetheless, it requires more cold-forming energy than stainless steel, so frequent annealing is crucial for optimum corrosion resistance.

Difference Between Hastelloy B3 and Other Metals

• Hastelloy B3 vs Hastelloy c-4

Hastelloy C-4 is preferable for resisting active oxidizing elements like nitric acid, iron chloride, hypochlorite bleach, and wet chlorine. On the other hand, Hastelloy B3 is a typical choice for its resistance to hydrogen chloride corrosion effects and its rupture and creep strength at high temperatures.

• Hastelloy B3 vs Stainless steel

Hastelloy B3 varies from stainless steel in many ways. It is a more expensive and exotic material than stainless steel, which contains iron properties. In simple terms, B3 alloy has way higher strength and better corrosion resistance at high temperatures. Stainless steel is cheaper with lower resistance.

• Hastelloy B3 vs Hastelloy c-276

Hastelloy C276 has excellent resistance to oxidizing and reducing compounds such as hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids. On the other hand, Hastelloy B3 only has excellent resistance to reducing compounds like hydrochloric acid with lower resistance to oxidizing compounds like nitric acid.

• Iron cast vs Hastelloy B3

Iron cast is suitable for applications free from corrosion effects, such as reducing and oxidizing agents. The alloy is rampant in developing rust and is also magnetic. On the other hand, Hastelloy B3 is non-magnetic with high corrosion resistance. Unlike iron cast that rusts at room temperature, Hastelloy B3 resists corrosion at high temperatures.

Conclusion

Hastelloy B3 has exceptional corrosion resistance and high strength, making it suitable for application in corrosive environments. Thus, it would help if you chose the alloy for ultimate durability. It is also available in other variants to suit different applications.

Tuolian Metal is a world-class company with the best metals on the market. We sell all Hastelloy alloy variants at low costs and in different forms. Most importantly, we have a consultation team at our customers’ access to guide them in picking suitable metals for application. Reach out to get more information from us!

FAQ

• Is Hastelloy B3 Better than Steel?

Yes, Hastelloy B3 has better corrosion resistance features than steel. Remember, steel contains iron content that subjects it to more corrosion impacts. But Hastelloy B3 can combat reducing agents like hydrochloric acid.

• What is the ideal for corrosive conditions – Hastelloy B3 or B2?

Hastelloy B3 and Hastelloy B2 have similar chemical elements, such as nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and iron. But Hastelloy B2 has more chromium content than B3. Hence, due to its optimum balance in elements content, the B3 variant has better corrosion resistance features.

Hastelloy B3 Limitations

Hastelloy B3 is an expensive material.

Another limitation of Hastelloy B3 is its limited availability in certain shapes & forms.

This can make it challenging to source & fabricate components made from this alloy.

It can drive up costs & lead times.

While Hastelloy B3 has excellent resistance to many acids, it is not immune to all forms of corrosion.

In particular, it may be susceptible to attack in environments containing hydrofluoric acid, hot concentrated alkalis, or certain types of organic acids.

Fabrication Processes

Welding

Hastelloy B3 is welded using various welding techniques. That includes TIG, MIG, & SAW processes. Our team uses the appropriate welding filler material. We preheat & post-heat the material to prevent cracking & guarantee good weld quality.

Machining

Hastelloy B3 is a tough hard material that is difficult to machine. Thus, it requires special tools & techniques. Carbide tools are recommended. The cutting speeds & feeds are reduced to avoid work hardening & tool wear.

Forming

Hastelloy B3 material is formed utilizing cold or hot working techniques. It includes the bending, stamping, & forging process.

Heat Treatment

Hastelloy B3 Is heat treated to improve its mechanical properties. The recommended temperature range for solution annealing is 1038-1149°C. It is followed by rapid cooling in water or air.

Surface Treatment

Surface treated using various techniques, such as pickling, passivation, & electroplating. These methods can improve hastelloy B3’s appearance and performance.