Using metal 3D printing to produce components in Inconel 718: an innovative and efficient solution!

Metal 3D printing for the production of Inconel 718 components

The history of Inconel dates back to the 1940s when it was developed for use in reactors. Since then, Inconel has become the most widely used superalloy in the aerospace industry and finds applications in the automotive industry and other industries where extreme environments are common.

Composition of Inconel 718

The standard composition of Inconel 718 (IN718) according to UNS N07718 specifications is primarily characterized by a high nickel content (50 to 55%), followed by a significant amount of chromium (17 to 21%) and iron (15 to 21%). It also contains lesser amounts of other elements such as niobium, molybdenum, titanium, and aluminum.

Properties of Inconel 718

This combination of metals gives the alloy excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, cryogenic properties, and high-temperature strength.

• In terms of mechanical properties, Inconel 718 exhibits high tensile strength with a yield strength of 827 MPa and a tensile strength of 1285 MPa. It also possesses high hardness and high fatigue strength.
• It is resistant to intergranular and pitting corrosion. It also withstands corrosive environments such as seawater and strong acids.
• It retains its mechanical strength even at very low temperatures, making it suitable for cryogenic applications.
• Finally, it exhibits excellent high-temperature resistance with a melting point of 1336 °C and high-temperature strength up to 704 °C. This makes it an ideal material for applications where extremely high operating temperatures are encountered.

Manufacturing Process: Advantages of Metal 3D Printing

It is worth noting that machining Inconel 718 can be challenging and result in higher costs, complexity, and material wastage due to its specific composition, high melting point, and hardness.

Therefore, the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process in metal 3D printing is an extremely promising solution for manufacturing Inconel components and offers numerous advantages:

1. 3D printing, particularly DMLS technology, allows the production of components while retaining the mechanical properties of Inconel.
2. The technology enables the production of complex, highly functional parts with high precision, providing engineers and designers with limitless design possibilities.
3. This process also offers high accuracy and repeatability, allowing for the production of components with consistent quality.

Customized Solutions for Your Requirements

At Prodways Group, we now offer Inconel on our large-format metal 3D printers. This provides our customers with a manufacturing platform featuring dimensions of 400x400x400 mm and the power of four simultaneously operating lasers.

This technological advancement enables us to produce large-format metal components with exceptional quality and high repeatability. Our serial production capabilities are strengthened by one of the highest manufacturing volumes in the market.

If you have projects involving Inconel components, please do not hesitate to contact our 3D printing service. We look forward to discussing your specific requirements and finding the best solution for your company.