Cobalt Alloy Shear Blades Used for Cutting Molten Glass

Producing glass items, like bottles or tableware, begins with forming a molten glass gob. This gob is a precisely measured portion of the glass, sheared from a continuous flow emanating from a melting furnace. The cutting uses a set of shear blades that move in a horizontal, back-and-forth motion. Once cut, the gob is dropped into a mold beneath the blades, taking the shape of the desired glass product.

During the shearing process, the blades encounter extremely high temperatures, ranging from 1000°C to 1400°C. Such intense heat subjects the blades to rapid wear and tear. As the blades degrade, they can impart imperfections on the gobs’ ends, making undesirable streaky marks in the final glass products.

Shear blades are typically crafted from high-grade tool steels like high-speed steel (HSS), powdered metallurgy steel (PM), or even materials like tungsten carbide and ceramics for enhanced durability. However, a popular choice for some is a cobalt-based alloy, particularly for the cutting edge, due to its unique composition that offers extended wear life. At SYTOP, we provide the option to customize these cobalt-based shear blades to meet your specific production requirements.

Cobalt Alloy STP 6#, a widely recognized cobalt-chrome alloy, is renowned for its exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion, coupled with robust high-temperature capabilities. This alloy is favored in scenarios demanding a hard material that can withstand abrasive and erosive conditions. Comprising approximately 60% cobalt, STP 6 is infused with chromium, tungsten, and carbon, enhancing its mechanical robustness and chemical resilience.

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