Stellite™ cobalt base alloys consist of complex carbides in an alloy matrix. They are resistant to wear, galling and corrosion and retain these properties at high temperatures. Their exceptional wear resistance is due mainly to the unique inherent characteristics of the hard carbide phase dispersed in a CoCr alloy matrix.

Stellite™ 12 could be considered an intermediate alloy between Stellite™ 6 and Stellite™ 1. It contains a higher fraction of hard, brittle carbides than Stellite™ 6, and has increased resistance to lowangle erosion, abrasion, and severe sliding wear whilst retaining reasonable impact and cavitation resistance. Stellite™ 12 is often used self-mated or running against Stellite™ 6 or Stellite™ 1. The higher tungsten content provides better high-temperature properties compared to Stellite™ 6, and it can be used at temperatures up to about 700°C.

Stellite™ 12 is typically used for cutting tools that need to withstand abrasion, heat and corrosion. Examples include industrial knives for cutting carpets, plastics, paper and synthetic fibres; and saw tips in the timber industry. It is also used for control plates in the beverage industry, pump vanes, bearing bushes and narrowneck glass mold plungers; and for hardfacing of engine valves, pinch rollers in the metal-processing industries, and rotor blade edges.