IN718 Powder: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Overview

IN718 powder, also known as Inconel 718, is a nickel-based superalloy widely recognized for its exceptional strength, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature performance. It is commonly used in aerospace, power generation, automotive, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) due to its excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• Best IN718 powder for 3D printing
• How to choose the right IN718 powder
• Top suppliers of IN718 powder
• Properties and industrial applications
• Production methods and cost analysis
• Comparing gas-atomized vs. water-atomized IN718 powder

Best IN718 Powder for 3D Printing in 2025

Why IN718 Powder is Ideal for Additive Manufacturing?

• High strength and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for aerospace and automotive components
• Excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, ensuring long service life
• Outstanding weldability, reducing the risk of cracking during printing
• Superior mechanical properties, even at temperatures up to 700°C

Key Factors for Selecting IN718 Powder for 3D Printing

• High sphericity for better flowability
• Controlled particle size distribution for consistent layer formation
• Low oxygen & impurity levels to prevent defects
• Superior mechanical properties post-processing

Comparison for Different 3D Printing Technologies

For high-performance industrial applications, Met3DP’s gas-atomized IN718 powder is the preferred choice. Learn more about Met3DP’s high-quality metal powders.

How to Choose the Right IN718 Powder

Choosing the right IN718 powder requires evaluating factors such as particle size distribution, powder morphology, atomization process, and application requirements.

1. Particle Size Distribution (PSD)

• Fine powders (15-45µm) → Best for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
• Medium powders (45-105µm) → Suitable for EBM & Binder Jetting
• Coarse powders (50-150µm) → Used in Direct Energy Deposition (DED)

2. Powder Morphology

• Spherical Powder → Best for 3D printing due to superior flowability
• Irregular Powder → Suitable for Binder Jetting & Sintering

3. Atomization Process

• Gas-Atomized Powder → High purity, excellent flowability, best for 3D printing
• Water-Atomized Powder → More affordable, irregular shape, best for sintering & MIM

Comparison of Different Types

For high-precision 3D printing, Met3DP’s gas-atomized IN718 powder is the best choice. Contact Met3DP for more details.

Top Suppliers in 2025

Several global manufacturers produce high-quality IN718 powder, but not all powders meet the stringent additive manufacturing requirements.

Leading Suppliers and Their Offerings

Among these, Met3DP stands out due to its cutting-edge atomization technology and consistent powder quality. Explore Met3DP’s IN718 product range.

Properties

Key Physical and Chemical Properties

These outstanding properties make it the material of choice for high-temperature structural components, aerospace parts, and industrial applications.

Production Methods

The production method of IN718 powder plays a crucial role in determining its particle shape, purity, flowability, and mechanical performance. The right production technique ensures that the powder meets the strict requirements of additive manufacturing (AM), metal injection molding (MIM), and sintering.

Main Production Methods

1. Gas Atomization

How It Works:

• High-pressure inert gas (argon or nitrogen) rapidly cools molten IN718, forming fine spherical particles.

Advantages:
✔ High sphericity, making it ideal for 3D printing
✔ Low oxygen content, reducing oxidation risks
✔ Consistent particle size distribution, improving packing density

Best for: LPBF, DED, and EBM 3D printing

2. Water Atomization

How It Works:

• High-pressure water jets break molten IN718 into fine particles, resulting in irregular-shaped powders.

Advantages:
✔ Lower cost than gas-atomized powders
✔ Higher surface area, making it suitable for sintering and MIM

Disadvantages:
✖ Poor flowability for additive manufacturing
✖ Higher oxygen content, which may require additional processing

Best for: MIM, sintering, and thermal spray coatings

3. Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP)

How It Works:

• A rotating IN718 electrode is melted in a plasma environment, forming highly spherical, ultra-pure powders.

Advantages:
✔ Perfect spherical shape, excellent for high-end AM
✔ Ultra-high purity, suitable for aerospace and medical applications
✔ Superior flowability

Disadvantages:
✖ Expensive
✖ Limited production volume

Best for: Aerospace, industrial gas turbines, and precision engineering

For high-performance 3D printing applications, Met3DP’s gas-atomized IN718 powder is the top choice. Explore Met3DP’s powder production solutions.

Cost Analysis

The cost of it is influenced by factors such as production method, particle shape, purity, and market demand.

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Production Method – PREP powders are the most expensive, while water-atomized powders are the most affordable.
2. Particle Shape – Spherical powders (better for AM) are more expensive than irregular powders.
3. Purity Level – Higher purity = Higher cost.
4. Market Demand – Increased demand from aerospace, power plants, and marine industries can impact pricing.

Estimated Price Ranges for Different Types

For cost-effective, high-quality IN718 powder, Met3DP provides optimized solutions tailored to industry needs. Contact Met3DP for pricing and availability.

Gas Atomized vs. Water Atomized vs. PREP: Which is Better?

Choosing the right IN718 powder depends on your application requirements.

Comparison of Different Atomization Methods

For additive manufacturing, gas-atomized IN718 powder is the best option, offering high purity, flowability, and printability.

FAQ

Q1: What is the best IN718 powder for 3D printing?

Gas-atomized spherical IN718 powder is best for LPBF, EBM, and DED due to its excellent flowability and low oxygen content.

Q2: How does IN718 perform at high temperatures?

It maintains high strength and oxidation resistance up to 700°C, making it ideal for jet engines, heat exchangers, and gas turbines.

Q3: Can IN718 be used for metal injection molding (MIM)?

Yes, water-atomized IN718 powder is commonly used in MIM and sintering.

Q4: Where can I buy high-quality IN718 powder?

Met3DP is a leading supplier of gas-atomized IN718 powder, optimized for 3D printing and high-performance applications. Contact Met3DP today!

Conclusion

It is widely used in high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial processing. Selecting the right powder type, production method, and supplier is essential for ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Why Choose Met3DP’s IN718 Powder?

✅ Industry-leading gas atomization technology
✅ High-purity spherical powders for additive manufacturing
✅ Reliable supply chain & global distribution

For high-performance IN718 powder, Met3DP provides cutting-edge solutions tailored to demanding applications.

Want to learn more or get a quote? Contact Met3DP today!