Inconel Powder:Types,Specifications,Choose

Table of Contents

Inconel powder refers to a family of nickel-chromium-based superalloys with excellent high temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance properties. This guide provides a detailed overview of inconel powder including types, characteristics, applications, specifications, suppliers, installation, operation and maintenance procedures, selection criteria, pros and cons, and FAQs.

Overview of Inconel Powder

Inconel is a registered trademark referring to a variety of precipitation-hardened nickel-based superalloys containing nickel, chromium, and other alloying elements like iron, niobium, aluminum, titanium, etc.

Key properties of inconel powder:

  • High temperature strength and creep resistance
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Good oxidation and carburization resistance
  • High fatigue strength and toughness
  • Resistant to chlorine and fluorine compounds
  • Non-magnetic

Inconel powder is widely used in applications requiring heat resistance like gas turbines, rocket motors, nuclear reactors, and chemical processing equipment. Common inconel alloys include Inconel 600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Inconel X-750, etc.

Types of Inconel Powder

There are several varieties of inconel powder designed for specific applications and requirements:

TypesCompositionCharacteristics
Inconel 60072% Ni, 16% CrExcellent corrosion resistance
Inconel 62560% Ni, 20-23% Cr, 8-10% FeOxidation and corrosion resistance up to 980°C
Inconel 71850-55% Ni, 17-21% Cr, 4.75-5.5% NbAge hardenable, high tensile and creep rupture strength
Inconel X-75072% Ni, 15% Cr, 7% FePrecipitation hardening alloy, oxidation resistance
Inconel MA 600065% Ni, 10% Cr, 5% AlOxidation resistance, used in glass molds
Inconel MA 75479% Ni, 14.5% Cr, 2.5% Ti, 1.5% AlHigh creep strength up to 1150°C
Inconel MA 6000E63% Ni, 8% Cr, 4% Al, 0.5% Y2O3Enhanced oxidation resistance

The specific inconel powder is selected based on required properties, maximum operating temperature, corrosion resistance needs, etc.

inconel powder

Applications and Uses of Inconel Powder

Inconel powder is suitable for a wide range of applications:

IndustryApplications
AerospaceGas turbine engines, rocket motors, exhaust systems
Oil and gasDrilling equipment, offshore platforms, valves and piping
Power generationGas turbines, nuclear reactors, heat exchangers
Chemical processingReactors, heaters, crackers, vessels, pipes
AutomotiveValves, exhaust and turbocharger parts
Pollution controlScrubbers, chimneys, incinerators
Glass industryGlass molds, stirrers, plungers

Some key usage benefits:

  • High temperature strength for better efficiency
  • Corrosion resistance for long service life
  • Oxidation resistance under extreme environments
  • Dimensional stability at elevated temperatures
  • High fatigue strength for dynamic applications

Specifications of Inconel Powder

Inconel powder is available with various characteristics:

SpecificationsDetails
Particle size10 – 150 microns
Particle shapeSpherical, irregular
Production methodGas atomization, water atomization
Apparent density2 – 5 g/cc
Tap densityUp to 60% of theoretical density
Flow rate5 – 25 s/50g
PurityASTM grades (B,C,D), custom alloys
CompositionNickel + chromium + alloying elements

It can be customized in terms of:

  • Alloy composition and microstructure as per requirement
  • Particle size distribution suitable for application method
  • Shape and flow characteristics
  • Required density and porosity
  • Certification as per application standards

Suppliers and Pricing of Inconel Powder

Some of the major global inconel powder suppliers include:

CompanyLocationPrice Range
SandvikSweden$50 – $120 per kg
PraxairUSA$55 – $140 per kg
TLS TechnikGermany$60 – $150 per kg
Japan New Metals CoJapan$70 – $180 per kg
NanoshelUSA$45 – $100 per kg

Prices depend on:

  • Alloy grade and purity
  • Particle size range and distribution
  • Volume of order
  • Additional treatment or characterization

Customization available at premium pricing. Discounts can be negotiated on bulk orders.

Installation of Inconel Powder System

Key considerations for installing inconel powder handling systems:

ParameterGuidelines
StorageInert gas environment, temperature control
HandlingMinimize exposure to air, safety equipment
Transfer linesLeak-proof, minimize dead zones
GroundingAvoid static charge buildup
Safety systemsInert gas, fire detection, explosion venting
DesignEnclose critical sections, ease of maintenance
MaterialsCompatible with inconel powder, minimize reactions

Critical factors:

  • Prevent oxygen content exceeding explosive limits
  • Proper grounding and bonding to avoid sparks
  • Leak-proof transferring and metering provisions
  • Ventilation and safety monitoring systems
  • Accessibility for inspection and maintenance

Operation and Maintenance of Inconel Powder Equipment

ActivityGuidelines
FillingControlled inert gas purging, verify seals post-filling
OperationFollow SOPs, monitor parameters like pressure and temperature
InspectionCheck for clogging, leakage, wear and powder quality
MaintenanceReplace worn parts, seals, leak testing, calibration
SafetyEnsure continuous inert gas supply, grounding, PPE
CleanupCareful vacuum cleaning to collect spilled powder

Key operation protocols:

  • Maintain oxygen levels below 5%
  • Prevent accumulation of powder deposits
  • Monitor flow rates, density, pressure drops
  • Frequently inspect for blocked lines, leaks
  • Verify continuous grounding and inert gas system
  • Ensure safe powder disposal and reuse

Choosing an Inconel Powder Supplier

Factors to consider when selecting an inconel powder supplier:

CriteriaConsiderations
Powder qualityComposition, particle size, microstructure
Technical expertiseAlloy knowledge, customization capability
Manufacturing processGas atomization preferred
CertificationsISO, industry standards like AMS
R&D capabilitiesExpertise in developing custom alloys
DeliveryOn-time delivery record
PricingCompetitive pricing, discounts
Customer serviceTechnical support, responsiveness

Key steps:

  • Review alloy composition reports from independent testing
  • Validate manufacturing process and quality certifications
  • Assess ability to customize alloys and particle characteristics
  • Evaluate technical competence and customer service level
  • Audit supplier’s quality management system
  • Sample evaluation trials before large volume procurement
inconel powder

Pros and Cons of Inconel Powder

ProsCons
Excellent high temperature propertiesExpensive compared to steel
Corrosion resistance in wide range of mediaLower thermal conductivity than copper alloys
High fatigue strengthReactive with oxygen at high temperatures
Good oxidation resistance up to 1000°CSusceptible to sulfur embrittlement
High creep rupture strengthDifficult to machine and fabricate
Non-magnetic propertyLimited suppliers and availability

Ideal for critical applications needing temperature resistance despite higher cost. Limitations in thermal conductivity, machinability, availability, and cost restrict more widespread use.

FAQs

Q: What are the main alloying elements in inconel powder?

A: The main alloying elements are chromium, iron, niobium, titanium, aluminum, and molybdenum added to nickel. These enhance high temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and age hardening response.

Q: What particle size range is commonly used for inconel powder in AM?

A: For additive manufacturing, inconel powder with particle size between 15-45 microns is typically used. Finer powder below 100 microns improves sintering and performance.

Q: What safety precautions are important when handling inconel powder?

A: Avoid contact with air using inert gas blanketing, ground all equipment properly, employ spark detection and fire suppression systems, use PPE, and follow protocols to prevent explosion risks.

Q: What are the typical applications of Inconel 718 powder?

A: Inconel 718 is widely used in aircraft engines, rockets, nuclear reactors, pumps, and cryogenic tankage due to its high strength at elevated temperatures and good corrosion resistance.

Q: What are the different methods for producing inconel powder?

A: Common production methods include gas atomization, water atomization, vacuum induction melting followed by gas atomization, and rotating electrode process. Each method produces powder with different characteristics.

Q: How is inconel powder used in metal injection molding?

A: Inconel and cobalt-based powders are used to manufacture complex net-shaped components with small features using powder injection molding followed by debinding and sintering steps.

Q: What is the typical price range for Inconel 718 powder for additive manufacturing?

A: For additive manufacturing, spherical Inconel 718 powder of 15-45 micron size range costs between $100 to $220 per kg based on quantity and quality requirements.

Q: What are some alternatives to inconel alloys in high temperature applications?

A: Some alternatives include stainless steels like 310 and 330, cobalt-based alloys, titanium alloys, and iron-nickel alloys. However, inconel remains superior in terms of temperature capability.

Q: What are some of the latest developments in inconel powder alloys?

A: New inconel powder alloys include IN792, IN597, IN617, and IN713 with improved high temperature strength, low density, oxidation and creep resistance for demanding applications.

Q: What is the benefit of using inconel powder for additive manufacturing?

A: Inconel powder enables printing complex and lighter components with superior high temperature properties compared to cast alloys for aerospace and rocket nozzle applications.

Conclusion

Inconel nickel-based superalloy powders offer exceptional performance at high temperatures, corrosion resistance across various media, and useful non-magnetic properties. This guide summarizes the composition, manufacturing methods, specifications, pricing, advantages, and applications of different inconel powder varieties to support engineers and technical teams in procuring and utilizing this advanced material. With continued development of newer alloys and lower cost powder production methods, inconel powders will find increased applications in critical systems like aerospace engines, nuclear reactors, and chemical plants.

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