IN939 Powder: Comprehensive Insights into This High-Performance Alloy

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Welcome to the comprehensive guide on IN939 powder, one of the most robust and high-performance superalloys you’ll encounter in the world of advanced manufacturing and turbine technology. Whether you are dealing with extreme temperatures, high stress, or corrosive environments, IN939 powder is a material you need to know inside and out.

This article will take you on a journey through the composition, properties, applications, and much more about IN939 powder, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about whether this nickel-based alloy is right for your project.

Let’s get started!


Overview: What is IN939 Powder?

IN939 powder is a nickel-based superalloy designed specifically for applications that demand high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and excellent creep resistance. Developed primarily for gas turbine components, IN939 has found its way into a wide range of industries where parts must maintain their integrity under extreme operating conditions.

This material is popular in additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy, where it’s used to create components that must perform in high-pressure and high-temperature environments—such as turbine blades, combustors, and seals.

Key Features of IN939 Powder:

  • High strength retention at temperatures up to 850°C (1562°F).
  • Superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion in severe environments.
  • Excellent creep resistance for long-term applications in extreme conditions.
  • Suitable for additive manufacturing techniques like powder-bed fusion and direct energy deposition.
  • Widely used in gas turbines, aerospace, and power generation industries.

Now, let’s dive into the most important aspect of any material: its chemical composition and key properties.


Composition and Key Properties of IN939 Powder

The performance of IN939 powder is directly linked to its chemical composition, which is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in high-temperature and oxidative environments. Each element in the alloy contributes to its strength, corrosion resistance, and overall durability.

Chemical Composition of IN939 Powder

ElementPercentage (%)Role in the Alloy
Nickel (Ni)50-55Forms the primary base of the alloy, providing high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation.
Chromium (Cr)22-23Enhances oxidation resistance, particularly in high-temperature settings.
Cobalt (Co)17-20Improves strength and hardness at elevated temperatures.
Titanium (Ti)3.0-4.0Contributes to precipitation hardening, improving the overall strength and creep resistance.
Aluminum (Al)1.5-2.0Enhances oxidation resistance and supports strength retention at high temperatures.
Tungsten (W)1.0-2.0Adds to the alloy’s creep resistance by reinforcing the crystal structure.
Molybdenum (Mo)1.0-2.0Provides additional high-temperature strength and resistance to corrosion.
Niobium (Nb)1.0 maxContributes to precipitation hardening, increasing the alloy’s strength.
Carbon (C)0.15 maxIncreases hardness, but must be limited to maintain ductility.
Boron (B)0.006 maxImproves grain boundary strength and aids in creep resistance.
Zirconium (Zr)0.04 maxEnhances creep resistance by stabilizing the grain boundaries.

Key Properties of IN939 Powder

IN939 powder owes its high-performance characteristics to its carefully balanced composition. Below are some of the key mechanical and thermal properties that make it stand out.

PropertyValue/Description
Density8.19 g/cm³
Melting Range1310°C – 1370°C
Tensile Strength950 MPa
Yield Strength650 MPa
Elongation at Break15-20%
Creep ResistanceExcellent, particularly up to 850°C
HardnessTypically 200-230 HB (Brinell Hardness)
Thermal ConductivityLow, which enhances its high-temperature performance.
Oxidation ResistanceOutstanding in environments up to 850°C
Corrosion ResistanceExceptional, particularly against oxidative and acidic environments.
WeldabilityGood, though requires preheat and post-weld heat treatments to avoid cracking.

Advantages of IN939 Powder: Why Choose It?

So why should you seriously consider IN939 powder for your next project? Let’s break down the key advantages that make it a top choice for engineers and manufacturers alike.

1. High-Temperature Performance

If your project involves extreme heat, IN939 powder will keep its cool. This material is designed to retain its mechanical properties at temperatures up to 850°C, making it ideal for gas turbines, exhaust systems, and heat shields. Unlike many other alloys, IN939 doesn’t lose its strength or become brittle in such conditions.

2. Excellent Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance

In industries like aerospace or power generation, components are often exposed to oxidative and corrosive environments. Thanks to its high chromium and aluminum content, IN939 powder provides superior oxidation resistance, even at elevated temperatures. This makes it perfect for use in turbine blades and combustors, where failure is not an option.

3. Creep Resistance

When a material is subjected to constant stress at high temperatures, it tends to slowly deform over time—a phenomenon known as creep. IN939 powder is designed with this in mind, offering excellent creep resistance, which is essential for long-term reliability in critical components like turbine discs and seals.

4. Versatile Manufacturing Capabilities

Whether you’re working with additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, or investment casting, IN939 powder is versatile enough to meet your needs. It’s commonly used in 3D printing to create complex, high-performance parts with fine detailing and intricate geometries.


Applications of IN939 Powder: Where It Shines

Given its outstanding properties, IN939 powder is used in some of the most demanding industries around the world. Its ability to maintain strength, resist oxidation, and withstand high temperatures makes it a staple in gas turbines, aerospace, and power generation.

Common Applications of IN939 Powder

IndustryApplication
AerospaceTurbine blades, afterburners, combustor components, and rotors exposed to high temperatures and oxidative environments.
Power GenerationTurbine discs, seals, and blades in gas turbines and steam turbines.
AutomotiveTurbocharger components that require both high strength and resistance to extreme heat.
Oil and GasDownhole tools, valves, and seals exposed to high-pressure, high-temperature environments.
Additive Manufacturing3D printed parts for aerospace, energy, and automotive components where high temperature and strength are essential.

From jet engines to turbine blades, IN939 powder is trusted by engineers around the globe for high-performance applications that demand superior materials.


Specifications, Sizes, Grades, and Standards for IN939 Powder

When choosing IN939 powder for your project, it’s crucial to understand the available specifications, sizes, and standards. This ensures you get the right material for the right application, without sacrificing performance.

Specifications for IN939 Powder

SpecificationDetails
Particle SizeRanges from 15 to 53 microns, depending on the application (e.g., additive manufacturing or thermal spray).
Powder MorphologyTypically spherical particles for improved flowability and even deposition.
ASTM StandardsASTM B637 for nickel-based alloys used in aerospace and industrial applications.
ISO StandardsISO 15156 for materials used in sour gas environments.
AMS StandardsAMS 5397 covers nickel-chromium-cobalt alloys like IN939 for precision components.
UNS NumberUNS N07090

Choosing the right specification ensures that IN939 powder will meet the exacting requirements of your specific industry or application.


Suppliers and Pricing of IN939 Powder

The price of IN939 powder can vary considerably based on supplier, particle size, and volume. While it is generally more expensive than standard materials, its long-term performance often justifies the investment, especially in high-stress and high-temperature applications.

Suppliers and Pricing of IN939 Powder

SupplierPrice Range (per kg)Notes
Höganäs AB$500 – $700A global leader in metal powders, including IN939 for additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy.
Carpenter Technology$520 – $730Specializes in high-performance alloys, offering custom particle sizes for specific applications.
Oerlikon Metco$510 – $720Provides IN939 powder for thermal spray coatings and 3D printing applications.
Sandvik$550 – $750Offers advanced materials for aerospace and energy sectors, including IN939 powder.
Kennametal$530 – $720Supplier of premium nickel-based alloys, including IN939, for industrial and energy applications.

On average, you can expect prices to range between $500 and $750 per kilogram, depending on the supplier and specific requirements.


Comparing the Pros and Cons of IN939 Powder

Before you settle on IN939 powder for your project, it’s essential to consider the advantages and limitations to ensure it’s the right choice for your needs.

Advantages

AdvantageDescription
High-Temperature Strength: Retains mechanical properties up to 850°C.Ideal for jet engines, gas turbines, and combustors.
Oxidation Resistance: Excels in oxidative environments.Perfect for components exposed to hot gases and air at high temperatures.
Creep Resistance: Long-term stability under stress.Ensures reliability in critical applications like turbine discs and seals.
Versatile Manufacturing: Compatible with 3D printing, thermal spray, and powder metallurgy.Allows for complex geometries in additive manufacturing.
Corrosion Resistance: Excels in corrosive environments.Adds longevity to components exposed to acidic or oxidative environments.

Limitations

LimitationDescription
High Cost: More expensive than many other materials.May not be suitable for budget-sensitive applications.
Machining Difficulty: Requires specialized tools for precision machining.Increases machining time and cost, especially for intricate parts.
Limited Availability: Not always readily available in large quantities.Can lead to longer lead times, especially for custom formulations or large orders.
Oxidation at Very High Temperatures: Oxidation can become an issue above 850°C without coatings.May require protective coatings for applications at extreme temperatures.

FAQs

Still have questions? Below are some answers to common inquiries about IN939 powder.

QuestionAnswer
What is IN939 powder used for?It is commonly used in aerospace, power generation, and oil and gas industries for high-temperature and high-stress parts like turbine blades and seals.
How much does IN939 powder cost?The price typically ranges from $500 to $750 per kilogram, depending on the supplier and specific requirements.
Can IN939 powder be used in 3D printing?Yes, it is widely used in additive manufacturing processes like powder-bed fusion to create high-performance components.
What industries use IN939 powder?It’s used extensively in aerospace, power generation, automotive, and oil and gas industries.
Is IN939 powder corrosion-resistant?Yes, IN939 offers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in oxidative and acidic environments.
What are the main advantages of IN939 powder?IN939 provides high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and creep resistance, making it ideal for extreme environments.
What are the machining challenges of IN939 powder?IN939’s high strength makes it more difficult to machine, often requiring specialized tools and techniques for precision fabrication.
Can IN939 powder handle extreme heat?Yes, IN939 maintains its mechanical properties at temperatures up to 850°C, making it ideal for turbines and combustor components.
What are the limitations of IN939 powder?The main limitations are its high cost and machining difficulty, which may increase production time and costs.

Conclusion: Is IN939 Powder Right for Your Project?

If you’re working in an industry that demands high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and long-term stability, it should absolutely be on your radar. Its high-performance characteristics make it a top choice in aerospace, power generation, and energy sectors, where reliability is paramount.

While it may come with a higher price tag and some machining challenges, the long-term benefits of using it—including durability, resistance to extreme environments, and high creep resistance—often make it a cost-effective solution in the long run.

In the end, if your project demands a material that can truly go the extra mile, it is a rock-solid investment that delivers exceptional performance where it matters most.

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