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:

Element	Gewichts %	Doel
Nikkel	Balans	Principal matrix element
Chroom	15 – 18	Oxidatiebestendigheid
Aluminium	3.8 – 4.8	Neerslaghardening
Titanium	0.9 – 1.4	Neerslaghardening
Kobalt	12 – 15	Versterking van vaste oplossing
Tantaal	3.8 – 4.8	Hardmetalen former
Koolstof	0.05 – 0.15	Hardmetalen former
Boor	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:

Onroerend goed	Beschrijving
hoge sterkte	Excellent tensile and creep rupture strength up to 1050¡«C
Thermische stabiliteit	Strength maintained up to 1000¡«C
Creep resistance	High stress-rupture life at high temperatures
Oxidatiebestendigheid	Vormt beschermende Cr2O3 oxidehuid
Weerstand tegen thermische vermoeidheid	Weerstaat barsten tijdens thermische cycli
Phase stability	Microstructure stable after prolonged exposures
Weerstand tegen corrosie	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:

Parameter	Typische waarde	Doel
Laagdikte	20-50 ×m	Resolution vs build speed
Laservermogen	250-500 W	Voldoende smelten zonder verdamping
Scansnelheid	800-1200 mm/s	Density vs production rate
Afstand tussen luiken	100-200 Ã×m	Mechanische eigenschappen
Ondersteunende structuur	Minimaal	Gemakkelijk verwijderen
Heet isostatisch persen	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Poreusheid elimineren

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:

Industrie	Componenten
Lucht- en ruimtevaart	Turbinebladen, schoepen, verbrandingskamers
Stroomopwekking	Onderdelen voor heetgastraject, warmtewisselaars
Automobielen	Turbolader wielen, kleppen
Chemische verwerking	Pumps, valves, reaction vessels

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:

Parameter	Specificatie
Deeltjesgrootte	15-45 Ã×m typisch
Vorm van deeltjes	Bolvormige morfologie
Schijnbare dichtheid	> 4 g/cc
Tapdichtheid	> 6 g/cc
Halflow	> 23 sec voor 50 g
Zuiverheid	>99,9%
Zuurstofgehalte	<100 ppm

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

Suppliers of IN939 Powder

Reputable suppliers of IN939 powder include:

Provider	Locatie
Sandvik Osprey	VK
Carpenter Additive	Verenigde Staten
Praxair	Verenigde Staten
AP&C	Canada
Erasteel	Zweden
AMETEK	Verenigde Staten

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
• Use properly grounded equipment
• Avoid dust accumulation to minimize explosion risk
• Plaatselijke afzuiging aanbevolen
• 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:

Methode	Geteste parameters
Zeefanalyse	Particle size distribution
SEM-beeldvorming	Deeltjesmorfologie
EDX	Chemie en samenstelling
XRD	Aanwezige fasen
Pyknometrie	Dichtheid
Halflow	Poeder vloei-eigenschappen

Testing per applicable ASTM standards ensures batch consistency.

Comparing IN939 to Alternative Alloy Powders

IN939 compares to other Ni-based superalloys as:

Legering	Sterkte bij hoge temperatuur	Kosten	Printbaarheid	Ductiliteit
IN939	Uitmuntend	Hoog	Uitmuntend	Laag
IN738	Goed	Medium	Uitmuntend	Medium
IN718	Redelijk	Laag	Goed	Uitmuntend
Hastelloy X	Uitmuntend	Hoog	Redelijk	Medium

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

Pros and Cons of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

Voordelen	Nadelen
Exceptional high temperature strength	Expensive compared to IN718
Excellent oxidation and creep resistance	Significant parameter optimization needed
Complex geometries feasible	Limited room temperature ductility
Faster processing than cast/wrought	Controlled storage and handling environment
Comparable properties to cast alloy	Moeilijk te bewerken na het afdrukken

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.