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:

Nguyên tố	Tỉ trọng	Mục đích
Niken	50 – 55	Principal matrix element
Chrome	17 – 21	Khả năng chống ôxi hóa
Sắt	Sự cân bằng	Solid solution strengthener
Niobi	4.75 – 5.5	Phân cứng kết tủa
Molyben	2.8 – 3.3	Solid solution strengthening
Titan	0.65 – 1.15	Carbide former
Nhôm	0.2 – 0.8	Phân cứng kết tủa
Carbon	0.08 max	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:

Bất động sản	Miêu tả
độ bền cao	Tensile strength 1050 – 1350 MPa
Phase stability	Retains strength after prolonged use up to 700¡«C
Khả năng chống ăn mòn	Resistant to aqueous corrosion and oxidation
Khả năng hàn	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:

Tham số	Typical value	Mục đích
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	Minimal	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:

Ngành	Thành phần
Hiệp công	Turbine blades, disks, hot section parts
Oil & gas	Downhole tools, valves, pumps
Phát điện	Combustion cans, transition ducts
Ô tô	Turbocharger wheels, exhaust valves
Y học	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:

Tham số	Đặc điểm kỹ thuật
Phạm vi kích thước của các hạt	10 – 45 Ã×m
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

Custom size distributions and controlled composition available.

Suppliers of Inconel 718 Powder

Prominent Inconel 718 powder suppliers include:

Nhà cung cấp	Địa điểm
Praxair	Hoa Kỳ
Sản phẩm bột Carpenter	Hoa Kỳ
Sandvik Osprey	Vương quốc Anh
Công nghệ LPW	Vương quốc Anh
Erasteel	Pháp
AP&C	Canada

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:

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 ASTM standards ensures batch-to-batch quality consistency.

Comparing Inconel 718 to Alternative Superalloy Powders

Inconel 718 compares with other alloys as:

Hợp kim	Chi phí	Printability	Khả năng hàn	Sức mạnh
Inconel 718	Thấp	Tốt	Xuất sắc	Trung bình
Inconel 625	Trung bình	Xuất sắc	Xuất sắc	Thấp
Inconel 939	Rất cao	Công bằng	Limited	Xuất sắc
Haynes 282	Cao	Tốt	Limited	Xuất sắc

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

Pros and Cons of Inconel 718 Powder for AM

Ưu điểm	Nhược điểm
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.