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:

エレメント	質量 %	目的
ニッケル	バランス	主行列要素
クロム	15 – 18	抗酸化性
アルミニウム	3.8 – 4.8	析出硬化
チタン	0.9 – 1.4	析出硬化
コバルト	12 – 15	Solid solution strengthening
タンタル	3.8 – 4.8	カーバイドフォーマー
炭素	0.05 – 0.15	カーバイドフォーマー
ホウ素	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:

プロパティ	説明
強力	Excellent tensile and creep rupture strength up to 1050¡«C
熱安定性	Strength maintained up to 1000¡«C
Creep resistance	High stress-rupture life at high temperatures
抗酸化性	Forms protective Cr2O3 oxide scale
Thermal fatigue resistance	Resists cracking during thermal cycling
Phase stability	Microstructure stable after prolonged exposures
耐蝕性	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:

パラメータ	代表値	目的
Layer thickness	20-50×m	解像度と製造速度
レーザー出力	250-500 W	蒸発することなく十分に溶ける
スキャン速度	800-1200 mm/s	Density vs production rate
ハッチの間隔	100-200 Ã×m	機械的特性
Support structure	最小限	Easy removal
熱間静水圧プレス	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	空隙をなくす

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:

産業	コンポーネント
航空宇宙	タービンブレード、ベーン、燃焼器
発電	Hot gas path parts, heat exchangers
自動車の	Turbocharger wheels, valves
化学加工	ポンプ、バルブ、反応容器

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:

パラメータ	仕様
粒子サイズ	15-45 Ã×m 標準
パーティクル形状	球状の形態
見掛け比重	> 4 g/cc
打タップ密度	> 6 g/cc
ホール流動率	> 23 sec for 50 g
純粋さ	>99.9%
酸素含量	<100 ppm

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

Suppliers of IN939 Powder

Reputable suppliers of IN939 powder include:

サプライヤー	場所
サンドビック オスプレイ	英国
カーペンター アディティブ	アメリカ
プラクスエアー	アメリカ
AP&C	カナダ
エラスチール	スウェーデン
AMETEK	アメリカ

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
• 適切に接地された機器を使用する
• 爆発リスクを最小限に抑えるため、粉塵の堆積を避ける
• 局所排気装置を推奨
• 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:

方法	テストされたパラメーター
ふるい分け分析	粒度分布
SEMイメージング	粒子形態
イーディーエックス	Chemistry and composition
XRD	現在のフェーズ
ピクノメトリー	密度
ホール流動率	粉体の流動性

Testing per applicable ASTM standards ensures batch consistency.

Comparing IN939 to Alternative Alloy Powders

IN939 compares to other Ni-based superalloys as:

合金	高温強度	利用料	印刷適性	展性
IN939	素晴らしい	ハイ	素晴らしい	低い
IN738	調子が良い	ミディアム	素晴らしい	ミディアム
IN718	公正	低い	調子が良い	素晴らしい
ハステロイ X	素晴らしい	ハイ	公正	ミディアム

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

Pros and Cons of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

長所	欠点
Exceptional high temperature strength	Expensive compared to IN718
Excellent oxidation and creep resistance	Significant parameter optimization needed
複雑な形状も実現可能	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.