Best inconel 718 powder for 3D printing

Overview of Inconel 718 Powder

Inconel 718 is a precipitation hardenable nickel-based superalloy powder widely used for additive manufacturing across aerospace, oil & gas, power generation and automotive industries. This article provides a detailed guide to Inconel 718 powder.

Key aspects covered include composition, properties, AM print parameters, applications, specifications, suppliers, handling, inspection methods, comparisons to alternatives, pros and cons, and FAQs. Tables are used to present information in an easy-to-reference format.

Composition of Inconel 718 Powder

The composition of Inconel 718 is:

Elemento	% Peso	Scopo
Nickel	50 – 55	Elemento della matrice principale
Chromium	17 – 21	Resistenza all'ossidazione
Ferro	Equilibrio	Rinforzatore di soluzioni solide
Niobio	4.75 – 5.5	Tempra per precipitazione
Molibdeno	2.8 – 3.3	Solid solution strengthening
Titanio	0.65 – 1.15	Formatore in carburo
Alluminio	0.2 – 0.8	Tempra per precipitazione
Carbonio	0,08 max	Formatore in carburo

Trace amounts of cobalt, boron, copper and magnesium are also added to enhance properties.

Properties of Inconel 718 Powder

Key properties of Inconel 718 include:

Proprietà	Descrizione
elevata resistenza	Tensile strength 1050 – 1350 MPa
Phase stability	Retains strength after prolonged use up to 700¡«C
Resistenza alla corrosione	Resistant to aqueous corrosion and oxidation
Saldabilità	Readily weldable with matching filler
Fabricability	Easy to form and machine
Creep resistance	High stress rupture strength at high temperatures

The properties make Inconel 718 suitable for the most demanding applications.

AM Print Parameters for Inconel 718 Powder

Typical parameters for printing Inconel 718 powder include:

Parametro	Valore tipico	Scopo
Altezza dello strato	20 – 50 Ã×m	Balance speed and resolution
Potenza laser	195 – 350 W	Sufficiente fusione senza evaporazione
Velocità di scansione	700 – 1300 mm/s	Density versus build rate
Distanza tra i boccaporti	80 – 160 Ã×m	Proprietà meccaniche
Support structure	Minimo	Easy removal
Pressatura isostatica a caldo	1120¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Eliminare i vuoti interni

The parameters depend on factors like build geometry, temperature management and post-processing needs.

Applications of 3D Printed Inconel 718 Parts

Inconel 718 parts made by AM are used in:

Industria	Componenti
Aerospaziale	Turbine blades, disks, hot section parts
Oil & gas	Downhole tools, valves, pumps
Generazione energetica	Combustion cans, transition ducts
Automotive	Turbocharger wheels, exhaust valves
Medico	Impianti ortopedici, strumenti chirurgici

Benefits over wrought parts include complex geometries and reduced buy-to-fly ratios.

Specifications of Inconel 718 Powder for AM

Inconel 718 powder must meet the following specifications for 3D printing:

Parametro	Specificazione
Intervallo dimensionale delle particelle	10 – 45 Ã×m
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

Custom size distributions and controlled composition available.

Suppliers of Inconel 718 Powder

Prominent Inconel 718 powder suppliers include:

Fornitore	Ubicazione
Praxair	USA
Carpenter Powder Products	USA
Sandvik Osprey	GB
Tecnologia LPW	GB
Erasteel	Francia
AP&C	Canada

Prices range from $50/kg to $150/kg, influenced by quality and order quantity.

Handling and Storage of Inconel 718 Powder

As a reactive material, Inconel 718 powder requires controlled handling:

• Store sealed containers in a cool, dry inert atmosphere
• Prevent exposure to moisture, air, temperature extremes
• Use properly grounded equipment during transfer
• Avoid dust accumulation and ignition sources
• Si raccomanda la ventilazione di scarico locale
• Follow applicable safety guidelines

Correct storage/handling prevents composition changes or hazards.

Inspection and Testing of Inconel 718 Powder

Inconel 718 powder batches are 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 ASTM standards ensures batch-to-batch quality consistency.

Comparing Inconel 718 to Alternative Superalloy Powders

Inconel 718 compares with other alloys as:

Lega	Costi	Stampabilità	Saldabilità	Forza
Inconel 718	Scarso	Bene	Eccellente	Intermedio
Inconel 625	Intermedio	Eccellente	Eccellente	Scarso
Inconel 939	Elevatissimo	Fiera	Limitato	Eccellente
Haynes 282	Elevato	Bene	Limitato	Eccellente

For balanced properties at lower cost, Inconel 718 supersedes other Ni superalloys for many applications.

Pros and Cons of Inconel 718 Powder for AM

* 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
Proven material credentials in AM	Lower high temperature strength than some alloys
Excellent weldability and machinability	Susceptible to solidification cracking during printing
Readily printed into complex shapes	Richiede la manipolazione in atmosfera controllata
Cost advantage over exotic superalloys	Significant post-processing often required
Available from range of suppliers	Relatively low hardness after printing

Inconel 718 enables high performance AM at a reasonable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions about Inconel 718 Powder

Q: What particle size range works best for printing Inconel 718 alloy?

A: A range of 15-45 microns provides the optimum combination of flowability, high resolution, and high density parts.

Q: What post processing is typically required for Inconel 718 AM parts?

A: Hot isostatic pressing, heat treatment, and machining are commonly needed to eliminate voids, optimize properties, and achieve tolerances.

Q: Is Inconel 718 easier to 3D print than other Ni superalloys?

A: Yes, its excellent weldability and lower cracking susceptibility make Inconel 718 one of the easier Ni-based superalloys to process by AM.

Q: What industries use Inconel 718 alloy for metal 3D printing?

A: Aerospace, oil & gas, power generation, automotive, and medical sectors are major applications benefiting from additively manufactured Inconel 718.

Q: Does Inconel 718 require supports when 3D printing?

A: Minimal supports are recommended on overhangs and bridged sections to prevent deformation and allow easy removal after printing.

Q: What defects can occur when printing Inconel 718 powder?

A: Potential defects are cracking, porosity, distortion, incomplete fusion, and surface roughness. Most can be prevented with optimized parameters.

Q: What hardness can be expected with Inconel 718 AM components?

A: Hardness after printing is typically 30-35 HRC. Post-processes like aging can increase it to 40-50 HRC for higher wear resistance.

Q: What accuracy can be obtained with Inconel 718 printed parts?

A: Comparable dimensional tolerances and surface finishes to CNC machined components can be achieved after post-processing.

Q: Is hot isostatic pressing mandatory for Inconel 718 3D printed parts?

A: HIP eliminates internal voids and improves fatigue life. It may not be required for non-critical applications.

Q: What alloy powder has properties closest to Inconel 718 for AM?

A: Inconel 625 has comparable corrosion resistance and weldability to 718 but lower strength. Inconel 939 trades weldability for higher strength.