Best in718 powder for 3D printing

Overview of IN718 Powder

IN718 is a precipitation hardenable nickel-based superalloy powder widely used for additive manufacturing, owing to its good strength, corrosion resistance, weldability and processability. This article provides a detailed guide to IN718 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 quantitative data in an easy-to-reference format.

Composition of IN718 Powder

The composition of IN718 is:

Elemento	% do Peso	Objetivo
Níquel	50 – 55	Elemento da matriz principal
Cromo	17 – 21	Resistência à oxidação
Ferro	Equilíbrio	Fortalecedor de solução sólida
Nióbio	4.75 – 5.5	Endurecimento por precipitação
Molibdênio	2.8 – 3.3	Solid solution strengthening
Titânio	0.65 – 1.15	Formador de metal duro
Alumínio	0.2 – 0.8	Endurecimento por precipitação
Carbono	0,08 máximo	Formador de metal duro

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

Properties of IN718 Powder

Key properties of IN718 include:

Propriedade	Descrição
alta resistência	Tensile strength 1050 – 1350 MPa
Phase stability	Retains properties after prolonged use up to 700¡«C
Resistência à corrosão	Resistant to aqueous corrosion and oxidation
Soldabilidade	Excellent weldability using matching filler material
Fabricability	Easy to form and machine
Creep resistance	High stress rupture strength at high temperatures

The properties make IN718 suitable for the most demanding applications.

3D Printing Parameters for IN718 Powder

Typical parameters for printing IN718 powder include:

Parâmetro	Valor típico	Objetivo
Altura da camada	20 – 50 Ã×m	Balance speed and resolution
Potência do laser	195 – 350 W	Derretimento suficiente sem evaporação
Velocidade de digitalização	700 – 1300 mm/s	Density versus build rate
Espaçamento da escotilha	80 – 160 Ã×m	Propriedades mecânicas
Estrutura de suporte	Mínimo	Fácil remoção
Prensagem isostática a quente	1120¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Eliminar vazios internos

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

Applications of 3D Printed IN718 Parts

IN718 parts made by AM are used in:

Indústria	Componentes
Aeroespacial	Engine components like turbine blades, discs
Geração de energia	Combustion cans, transition ducts
Petróleo e gás	Downhole tools, valves, pumps
Automotivo	Turbocharger wheels, exhaust valves
Médico	Implantes ortopédicos, ferramentas cirúrgicas

Benefits over wrought IN718 include complex geometries, reduced lead times and buy-to-fly ratios.

Specifications of IN718 Powder for AM

IN718 powder must meet the following specifications for 3D printing:

Parâmetro	Especificação
Intervalo de tamanho de partícula	10 – 45 Ã×m
Formas das Partículas	Morfologia esférica
Densidade Aparente	Typically > 4 g/cc
Densidade de Batida	> 6 g/cc
Vazão de fluxo do corredor	> 23 segundos para 50 g
Pureza	>99,9%
Conteúdo de oxigênio	< 100 ppm

Custom size distributions and tightly controlled composition available.

Suppliers of IN718 Powder

Prominent suppliers include:

Fornecedor	Localização
Praxair	Estados Unidos
Carpenter Carpenter Pó Produtos	Estados Unidos
Sandvik Osprey	Reino Unido
Tecnologia LPW	Reino Unido
Erasteel	França
AP&C	Canadá

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

Handling and Storage of IN718 Powder

As a reactive material, IN718 powder requires controlled handling:

• Store sealed containers in a cool, dry inert atmosphere
• Prevent exposure to moisture, air, or temperature extremes
• Use properly grounded equipment during transfer
• Avoid dust accumulation and control ignition sources
• Recomenda-se ventilação local com exaustão
• Follow applicable safety guidelines

Correct storage and handling prevents composition changes or hazards.

Inspection and Testing of IN718 Powder

IN718 powder batches are validated using:

Método	Parâmetros testados
Análise granulométrica	Distribuição de Tamanho de Partícula
imagens SEM	Morfologia da partícula
EDX	Química e composição
XRD	Fases presentes
Picnometria	Densidade
Vazão de fluxo do corredor	Fluidez do pó

Testing per ASTM standards ensures batch-to-batch quality consistency.

Comparing IN718 to Alternative Superalloy Powders

IN718 compares with other alloys as:

Liga	Custo	Capacidade de impressão	Soldabilidade	Força
IN718	Baixo	Bom	Excelente	Médio
IN625	Médio	Excelente	Excelente	Baixo
IN792	Alto	Razoável	Bom	Excelente
IN939	Muito alto	Bom	Limitada	Excelente

For balanced properties at lower cost, IN718 supersedes other Ni-based superalloys for many applications.

Pros and Cons of IN718 Powder for 3D Printing

Prós	Contras
Proven material credentials in AM	Lower high temperature strength than some alloys
Excellent weldability and machinability	Susceptible to solidification cracking during printing
Easily fabricated into complex shapes	Requires controlled atmosphere handling
Cost advantage over exotic superalloys	Significant post-processing often needed
Readily available from range of suppliers	Relatively low hardness after printing

IN718 enables high performance additive manufacturing at a reasonable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions about IN718 Powder

Q: What particle size range works best for 3D printing IN718 alloy?

A: A range of 15-45 microns provides the optimum blend of flowability, high resolution, and high density parts. Finer powders below 10 microns can also be used.

Q: What post processing is typically required for IN718 AM components?

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

Q: Is IN718 easier to 3D print compared to other Ni superalloys?

A: Yes, the excellent weldability and lower susceptibility to cracking make IN718 one of the easier to process Ni-based superalloys by powder bed fusion techniques.

Q: What industries use IN718 alloy for metal 3D printing?

A: Aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, automotive, and medical sectors are major application areas for additively manufactured IN718 components.

Q: What material has properties closest to IN718 for AM?

A: IN625 alloy powder has comparable weldability and corrosion resistance to IN718 but lower strength. IN792 trades weldability for higher strength.

Q: Is hot isostatic pressing mandatory for IN718 3D printed parts?

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

Q: Does IN718 require support structures during 3D printing?

A: Minimal supports are recommended on overhangs and bridged sections to prevent deformation and facilitate easy removal post-printing.

Q: What defects can occur when printing with IN718 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 IN718 AM components?

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

Q: What precision can be obtained with IN718 printed parts?

A: After post-processing, IN718 printed components can achieve dimensional tolerances and surface finishes comparable to CNC machined parts.