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	Waga %	Cel
Nikiel	Równowaga	Principal matrix element
Chrom	15 – 18	Odporność na utlenianie
Aluminium	3.8 – 4.8	Utwardzenie wydzieleniowe
Tytan	0.9 – 1.4	Utwardzenie wydzieleniowe
Kobalt	12 – 15	Solid solution strengthening
Tantal	3.8 – 4.8	Forma z węglików spiekanych
Węgiel	0.05 – 0.15	Forma z węglików spiekanych
Bor	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:

Nieruchomość	Opis
bardzo wysoka wytrzymałość	Excellent tensile and creep rupture strength up to 1050¡«C
Stabilność cieplna	Strength maintained up to 1000¡«C
Creep resistance	High stress-rupture life at high temperatures
Odporność na utlenianie	Forms protective Cr2O3 oxide scale
Thermal fatigue resistance	Resists cracking during thermal cycling
Phase stability	Microstructure stable after prolonged exposures
Odporność przeciwkorozyjna	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:

Parametr	Wartość typowa	Cel
Layer thickness	20-50 × m	Rozdzielczość a szybkość kompilacji
Moc lasera	250-500 W	Sufficient melting without evaporation
Prędkość skanowania	800-1200 mm/s	Density vs production rate
Rozstaw włazów	100-200 Ã×m	Właściwości mechaniczne
Support structure	Minimalny	Easy removal
Prasowanie izostatyczne na gorąco	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Eliminacja porowatości

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:

Przemysł	Elementy
Astronautyka	Łopatki turbin, kierownice, komory spalania
Generacja energii	Hot gas path parts, heat exchangers
Motoryzacja	Turbocharger wheels, valves
Przetwórstwo chemiczne	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:

Parametr	Specyfikacja
Wielkość cząstek	15-45 Ã×m typowo
Kształt cząstki	Sferyczna morfologia
Gęstość Nasypowa	> 4 g/cc
Gęstość usypu	> 6 g/cc
Przepływ w hali	> 23 s dla 50 g
Czystość	>99,9%
Zawartość tlenu	<100 ppm

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

Suppliers of IN939 Powder

Reputable suppliers of IN939 powder include:

Dostawca	Lokalizacja
Sandvik Osprey	Wielka Brytania
Carpenter Additive	USA
Praxair	USA
AP&C	Kanada
Erasteel	Szwecja
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
• Use properly grounded equipment
• Avoid dust accumulation to minimize explosion risk
• Zalecana lokalna wentylacja wyciągowa
• 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:

Metoda	Testowane parametry
Analiza sitowa	Rozpiętość wielkości cząsteczek
Mikroskopia SEM	Morfologia cząstek
EDX	Chemia i skład
XRD	Obecne fazy
Piknometria	Gęstość
Przepływ w hali	Płynność proszków

Testing per applicable ASTM standards ensures batch consistency.

Comparing IN939 to Alternative Alloy Powders

IN939 compares to other Ni-based superalloys as:

Stop	Wytrzymałość wysokotemperaturowa	Koszt	Możliwość drukowania	Kowalność
IN939	Wyśmienicie	Wysoki	Wyśmienicie	Niski
IN738	Dobrze	Średnie	Wyśmienicie	Średnie
IN718	Uczciwa	Niski	Dobrze	Wyśmienicie
Hastelloy X	Wyśmienicie	Wysoki	Uczciwa	Średnie

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

Pros and Cons of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

Plusy	Wady
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	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.