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3D printing with Inconel

Inconel 718 is a nickel superalloy that offers exceptional heat resistance, maintaining its structural properties up to 650° C. This superalloy is comprised of 55% nickel, 21% iron, and chrome, as well as other less concentrated elements. The parts printed with Inconel possess a high range or working temperatures (from -250 °C up to 650 °C) meaning that they are used in sectors associated with extreme temperatures, such as turbines, heat exchangers, engines, or cryogenic devices.

3D Inconel production process

To print with Inconel, it is especially important to control the heat warps that occur during the melting and solidifying of the powder layers. Choosing the correct support strategy in accordance with the geometrics of the part is essential to guarantee the dimensional tolerance.

Technical specifications of Inconel

Types

Inconel 718

Features

Excellent heat resistance. 01.
Highly resistant to corrosion 02.
Mechanical resistance: 1057 MPa 03.
Hardness: 32 HRC 04.

Features

Inconel is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures and also has a high creep resistance. Thanks to its highly resistant properties, its material corrosion resistance, and its ability to be used at high temperatures, Inconel 718 is a superalloy that has been used in the development of turbojet engines for aircrafts, among other applications. When used for 3D printing, a lot of the material is used, producing minimal scrap, something which is particularly important for high cost and added value materials such as Inconel.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

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Post processing heat treatment on Inconel printed parts.

Parts printed with Inconel usually require heat treatment to improve the mechanical properties of the material following its manufacture. The first option is to carry out a solution heat treatment which can increase the mechanical resistance by up to 40%. If its use requires, special high-pressure treatments can also be applied such as Hot Isostatic Pressure (HIP) to remove any microporous material or microsegregation from any left-over alloys.

Step by step process

3D File

– Send us your 3D file ready to print.
– If you do not have the file, send us the item and we will create the CAD file.
– If you need a design from zero, our designers will gladly prepare a quote for you.

3D Printing

– We will create the process file adapted to the technology and materials that will be used to produce your item.
– We prepare and condition the printer to guarantee optimum quality.

Cleaning and post processing

This step is key when meeting your requirements, and it is one that we are highly specialised in.
The removal of the printing support structures, heat treatments, and surface finishes (blasting, polishing, tooling) are some of the most common post processes.

DISCOVER THE TECHNOLOGY USED IN THE PROCESS

SLM 3D printing technology

Uses of printing with Inconel

Inconel is the ideal material for the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors to be used in operations that require a high temperature.

Uses

Engines

Turbine blades

Heat exchangers

Nuclear energy

3D Printing machinery

With Inconel

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Renishaw AM400

The Renishaw AM400 includes the latest developments of the AM250 platform such as the improved optical control software, the reviewed gas flow system, and window protection. The laser also has a power of 400 W, meaning it has a beam diameter of 70 µm.

WORK VOLUME

The construction volume is 250x250x300 mm.

FLEXIBILITY

The versatility of its design and the possibility to generate new processing parameters means that this equipment can work with a range of materials.

Other materials

In addition to Inconel, this service is also available in the following materials. Take a look and decide which one best suits your needs.

3D Printing with Aluminium

3D Printing with Steels

3D printing with Titanium