Best IN939 Powder for 3D Printing in 2023

Overview of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

IN939 is a high-performance nickel-based superalloy powder designed for additive manufacturing of critical components needing exceptional mechanical properties at high temperatures. This article provides a comprehensive guide to IN939 powder for 3D printing applications across aerospace, automotive, energy and industrial sectors.

Key aspects covered include IN939 composition, properties, print parameters, applications, specifications, suppliers, handling, inspection, comparisons to alternatives, advantages and limitations, and frequently asked questions. Quantitative data is presented in easy-to-reference tables.

Composition of IN939 Powder

IN939 has a complex precipitation hardening alloy composition:

Elemento	% Peso	Scopo
Nickel	Equilibrio	Elemento della matrice principale
Chromium	15 – 18	Resistenza all'ossidazione
Alluminio	3.8 – 4.8	Tempra per precipitazione
Titanio	0.9 – 1.4	Tempra per precipitazione
Cobalto	12 – 15	Solid solution strengthening
Tantalio	3.8 – 4.8	Formatore in carburo
Carbonio	0.05 – 0.15	Formatore in carburo
Boro	0.006 – 0.012	Grain boundary strengthener

Trace quantities of zirconium, magnesium and sulphur are also added for enhanced properties.

Properties of IN939 Powder

IN939 possesses an exceptional combination of properties:

Proprietà	Descrizione
elevata resistenza	Excellent tensile and creep rupture strength up to 1050¡«C
Stabilità termica	Strength maintained up to 1000¡«C
Creep resistance	High stress-rupture life at high temperatures
Resistenza all'ossidazione	Forms protective Cr2O3 oxide scale
Thermal fatigue resistance	Resists cracking during thermal cycling
Phase stability	Microstructure stable after prolonged exposures
Resistenza alla corrosione	Resistant to hot corrosion, oxidation, sulfidation

The properties enable use under extreme thermal and mechanical loads.

3D Printing Parameters for IN939 Powder

Typical AM processing parameters for IN939 include:

Parametro	Valore tipico	Scopo
Layer thickness	20-50 µm	Risoluzione e velocità di costruzione
Potenza laser	250-500 W	Sufficiente fusione senza evaporazione
Velocità di scansione	800-1200 mm/s	Density vs production rate
Distanza tra i boccaporti	100-200 Ã×m	Proprietà meccaniche
Support structure	Minimo	Easy removal
Pressatura isostatica a caldo	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Eliminare la porosità

Parameters are optimized for attributes like density, microstructure, build rate, and post-processing requirements.

Applications of 3D Printed IN939 Parts

Additively manufactured IN939 components serve critical applications including:

Industria	Componenti
Aerospaziale	Palette turbina, rotore, combustori
Generazione energetica	Hot gas path parts, heat exchangers
Automotive	Turbocharger wheels, valves
Elaborazione chimica	Pompe, valvole, recipienti di reazione

Benefits over conventionally processed IN939 include complex geometries and reduced lead time.

Specifications of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

IN939 powder for AM must meet exacting specifications:

Parametro	Specificazione
Dimensione particellare	15-45 Ã×m tipico
Forma delle particelle	Morfologia sferica
Densità apparente	> 4 g/cc
Densità del materiale compattato	> 6 g/cc
Portata del corridoio	> 23 sec per 50 g
Purezza	>99,9%
Contenuto di ossigeno	<100 ppm

Tighter tolerances, custom size distributions, and controlled impurity levels available.

Suppliers of IN939 Powder

Reputable suppliers of IN939 powder include:

Fornitore	Ubicazione
Sandvik Osprey	GB
Additive Carpenter	USA
Praxair	USA
AP&C	Canada
Erasteel	Svezia
AMETEK	USA

Pricing for IN939 powder ranges from $110/kg to over $220/kg based on quality and order volume.

Handling and Storage of IN939 Powder

As a reactive powder, careful handling of IN939 is needed:

• Store sealed containers in a cool, inert atmosphere
• Prevent contact with moisture, oxygen, acids
• Utilizzare apparecchiature con adeguata messa a terra
• Evitare l'accumulo di polvere per ridurre al minimo il rischio di esplosione.
• Si raccomanda la ventilazione di scarico locale
• Wear appropriate PPE while handling

Proper techniques and controls prevent IN939 powder oxidation or contamination.

Inspection and Testing of IN939 Powder

IN939 powder is validated using:

Metodo	Parametri testati
Analisi granulometrica	Distribuzione granulometrica
Immagini SEM	Morfologia delle particelle
EDX	Chimica e composizione
XRD	Fasi presenti
Picnometria	Densità
Portata del corridoio	Scorrimento della polvere

Testing per applicable ASTM standards ensures batch consistency.

Comparing IN939 to Alternative Alloy Powders

IN939 compares to other Ni-based superalloys as:

Lega	Resistenza alle alte temperature	Costi	Stampabilità	Ducilità
IN939	Eccellente	Elevato	Eccellente	Scarso
IN738	Bene	Intermedio	Eccellente	Intermedio
IN718	Fiera	Scarso	Bene	Eccellente
Hastelloy X	Eccellente	Elevato	Fiera	Intermedio

For balanced properties and processability, IN939 supersedes alternatives like IN718 or Hastelloy X.

Pros and Cons of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

* Alta densità: maggiore capacità di archiviazione in un fattore di forma più piccolo * Bassa latenza: tempi di accesso più rapidi rispetto ai dischi rigidi tradizionali * Elevata larghezza di banda: velocità di trasferimento dati più elevate * Maggiore affidabilità: meno parti mobili rispetto ai dischi rigidi tradizionali, riducendo il rischio di guasti * Maggiore efficienza energetica: consumo energetico inferiore rispetto ai dischi rigidi tradizionali * Silenzioso: nessun rumore di ricerca o rotazione	Contro
Exceptional high temperature strength	Expensive compared to IN718
Excellent oxidation and creep resistance	Significant parameter optimization needed
Geometrie complesse realizzabili	Limited room temperature ductility
Faster processing than cast/wrought	Controlled storage and handling environment
Comparable properties to cast alloy	Difficult to machine after printing

IN939 enables high-performance printed parts but with higher costs and controlled processing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

Q: What particle size range works best for printing IN939?

A: A particle size range of 15-45 microns provides good flowability combined with high resolution and density. Finer particles below 10 microns can improve density and surface finish.

Q: Does IN939 require any post-processing after 3D printing?

A: Post processes like hot isostatic pressing, heat treatment, and machining are usually needed to eliminate porosity, relieve stresses, and achieve final tolerances and surface finish.

Q: What precision can be achieved with IN939 printed parts?

A: After post-processing, dimensional accuracy and surface finish comparable to CNC machined parts can be achieved with IN939 AM components.

Q: Are support structures necessary for printing IN939 powder?

A: Minimal supports are recommended for complex channels and overhangs to prevent deformation and facilitate easy removal. IN939 powder has good flowability.

Q: What alloy powder is the closest alternative to IN939 for AM?

A: IN738 is the closest alternative in terms of balanced properties and maturity for additive manufacturing. Other alloys like IN718 or Hastelloy X have some trade-offs.

Q: Is IN939 compatible with direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)?

A: Yes, IN939 is readily processable by major powder bed fusion techniques including DMLS along with selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM).

Q: What density is achievable with 3D printed IN939 components?

A: With optimized parameters, densities over 99% are achievable, matching properties of traditionally processed IN939 products.

Q: How do the properties of printed IN939 compare to cast alloy?

A: Additively manufactured IN939 exhibits comparable or better mechanical properties and microstructure compared to conventional cast and wrought forms.

Q: What defects can occur when printing with IN939 powder?

A: Potential defects are cracking, distortion, porosity, surface roughness, incomplete fusion etc. Most can be prevented by proper parameter optimization and powder quality.

Q: Is hot isostatic pressing (HIP) mandatory for IN939 AM parts?

A: HIP eliminates internal voids and improves fatigue resistance. For less demanding applications, heat treatment alone may suffice instead of HIP.