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:

Элемент	Весовые %	Цель
Никель	50 – 55	Principal matrix element
Хром	17 – 21	Коррозийная устойчивость
Железо	Баланс	Solid solution strengthener
Ниобий	4.75 – 5.5	Упрочнение осадками
Молибден	2.8 – 3.3	Solid solution strengthening
Титан	0.65 – 1.15	Carbide former
Алюминий	0.2 – 0.8	Упрочнение осадками
Углерода	0,08 макс.	Carbide former

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:

Имущество	Описание
высокая прочность	Tensile strength 1050 – 1350 MPa
Phase stability	Retains strength after prolonged use up to 700¡«C
Коррозионная стойкость	Resistant to aqueous corrosion and oxidation
Свариваемость	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:

Параметр	Typical value	Цель
Layer height	20 – 50 Ã×m	Balance speed and resolution
Laser power	195 – 350 W	Sufficient melting without evaporation
Scan speed	700 – 1300 mm/s	Density versus build rate
Hatch spacing	80 – 160 Ã×m	Mechanical properties
Support structure	Минимум	Easy removal
Hot isostatic pressing	1120¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Eliminate internal voids

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:

Промышленность	Компоненты
Аэрокосмическая отрасль	Turbine blades, disks, hot section parts
Oil & gas	Downhole tools, valves, pumps
Выработка электроэнергии	Combustion cans, transition ducts
Автомобильный	Turbocharger wheels, exhaust valves
Медицинский	Orthopedic implants, surgical tools

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:

Параметр	Спецификация
Диапазон размеров частиц	10 – 45 Ã×m
Форма частиц	Spherical morphology
Кажущаяся плотность	> 4 g/cc
Плотность при утрамбовке	> 6 g/cc
Скорость потока холла	> 23 sec for 50 g
Чистота	>99.9%
Содержание кислорода	<100 частей на миллион

Custom size distributions and controlled composition available.

Suppliers of Inconel 718 Powder

Prominent Inconel 718 powder suppliers include:

Поставщик	Местоположение
Praxair	США
Компания Carpenter Powder Products	США
Sandvik Osprey	Соединённое Королевство
Технология LPW	Соединённое Королевство
Эрасталь	Франция
AP&C	Канада

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
• Local exhaust ventilation recommended
• 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:

Метод	Parameters Tested
Гранулометрический анализ	Распределение размера частиц
Сканирующая электронная микроскопия	Particle morphology
EDX	Chemistry and composition
XRD	Phases present
Pycnometry	Плотность
Скорость потока холла	Текучесть порошка

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

Comparing Inconel 718 to Alternative Superalloy Powders

Inconel 718 compares with other alloys as:

Сплав	Цена	Возможность печати	Свариваемость	Сила
Инконель 718	Низкий	Хорошо	Отличный	Средний
Инконель 625	Средний	Отличный	Отличный	Низкий
Inconel 939	Очень высокий	Справедливо	Ограниченный	Отличный
Haynes 282	Высок	Хорошо	Ограниченный	Отличный

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

Pros and Cons of Inconel 718 Powder for AM

Преимущества	Минусы
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	Requires controlled atmosphere handling
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.