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:

Nguyên tố	Tỉ trọng	Mục đích
Niken	Sự cân bằng	Principal matrix element
Chrome	15 – 18	Khả năng chống ôxi hóa
Nhôm	3.8 – 4.8	Phân cứng kết tủa
Titan	0.9 – 1.4	Phân cứng kết tủa
Cô ban	12 – 15	Solid solution strengthening
Tantal	3.8 – 4.8	Carbide former
Carbon	0.05 – 0.15	Carbide former
Boron	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:

Bất động sản	Miêu tả
độ bền cao	Excellent tensile and creep rupture strength up to 1050¡«C
Tính ổn định nhiệt	Strength maintained up to 1000¡«C
Creep resistance	High stress-rupture life at high temperatures
Khả năng chống ôxi hóa	Forms protective Cr2O3 oxide scale
Thermal fatigue resistance	Resists cracking during thermal cycling
Phase stability	Microstructure stable after prolonged exposures
Khả năng chống ăn mòn	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:

Tham số	Typical value	Mục đích
Layer thickness	20-50 õm	Resolution vs build speed
Laser power	250-500 W	Sufficient melting without evaporation
Scan speed	800-1200 mm/s	Density vs production rate
Hatch spacing	100-200 Ã×m	Mechanical properties
Support structure	Minimal	Easy removal
Hot isostatic pressing	1160¡«C, 100 MPa, 3h	Eliminate porosity

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:

Ngành	Thành phần
Hiệp công	Cánh tua-bin, cánh tĩnh, buồng đốt
Phát điện	Hot gas path parts, heat exchangers
Ô tô	Turbocharger wheels, valves
Xử lý hóa chất	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:

Tham số	Đặc điểm kỹ thuật
Kích thước hạt	15-45 Ã×m typical
Hình dạng hạt	Spherical morphology
Mật độ biểu kiến	> 4 g/cc
Mật độ chịu nén	> 6 g/cc
Lưu lượng phòng	> 23 sec for 50 g
Sạch sẽ	>99.9%
Hàm lượng oxy	<100 ppm

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

Suppliers of IN939 Powder

Reputable suppliers of IN939 powder include:

Nhà cung cấp	Địa điểm
Sandvik Osprey	Vương quốc Anh
Công ty dịch vụ sản xuất phụ gia Carpenter	Hoa Kỳ
Praxair	Hoa Kỳ
AP&C	Canada
Erasteel	Thụy Điển
AMETEK	Hoa Kỳ

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
• Local exhaust ventilation recommended
• 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:

Phương pháp	Parameters Tested
Phân tích rây	Phân phối kích thước hạt
Hình ảnh SEM	Particle morphology
EDX	Chemistry and composition
XRD	Phases present
Pycnometry	Mật độ
Lưu lượng phòng	Lưu lượng bột

Testing per applicable ASTM standards ensures batch consistency.

Comparing IN939 to Alternative Alloy Powders

IN939 compares to other Ni-based superalloys as:

Hợp kim	Độ bền ở nhiệt độ cao	Chi phí	Printability	Độ dẻo dai
IN939	Xuất sắc	Cao	Xuất sắc	Thấp
IN738	Tốt	Trung bình	Xuất sắc	Trung bình
IN718	Công bằng	Thấp	Tốt	Xuất sắc
Hastelloy X	Xuất sắc	Cao	Công bằng	Trung bình

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

Pros and Cons of IN939 Powder for 3D Printing

Ưu điểm	Nhược điểm
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.