NC6630 In738LC High Temperature Alloy Powder

In738LC High Temperature Alloy Powder Description

IN738LC is a nickel-based superalloy powder strengthened by gamma prime (γ') precipitates (Ni₃(Al, Ti)), designed for high-temperature applications up to 900°C. Its composition includes ~16% Cr for oxidation resistance, ~9% Co, 3.7% Al, 3.7% Ti, and trace refractory elements (Mo, W, Ta, Nb) for solid-solution and grain-boundary strengthening. The low-carbon design (≤0.13% C) minimizes carbide formation, enhancing creep resistance and thermal stability.

Key properties include tensile strength >1,500 MPa and hardness ~40-45 HRC post-aging (450-475°C), attributed to γ' precipitation and optimized microstructures. It exhibits exceptional creep resistance under high stress, with minimal creep rates comparable to cast counterparts after liquid-induced healing (LIH) treatments in additive manufacturing (AM). The alloy also shows moderate corrosion resistance, relying on Cr-based passivation, though protective coatings (e.g., PtAl) are recommended for harsh environments.

Optimized for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), IN738LC achieves >99.9% density with crack-free fabrication, enabled by controlled solute segregation (Ti/Al). Post-processing includes solution treatment (1,000-1,050°C) and aging to refine mechanical properties. Applications span aerospace turbine blades, industrial gas turbine components, and high-stress AM parts, balancing high-temperature performance with manufacturability.

In738LC High Temperature Alloy Powder Applications

·          Aerospace Turbine Blades and Engine Components: IN738LC is extensively used in gas turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes for aircraft engines, where it withstands temperatures up to 900°C and cyclic thermal stresses. Its optimized composition (16% Cr, 9% Co) ensures oxidation resistance and microstructural stability under extreme conditions.

·          Industrial Gas Turbine Hot-Section Parts: The alloy is employed in industrial gas turbines for components such as combustion chambers, rotor blades, and seals. Its resistance to hot corrosion (e.g., in environments with sulfates and chlorides) makes it suitable for power generation systems exposed to aggressive fuels.

·          Additive Manufacturing (AM) of Complex Geometries: Optimized for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), IN738LC powder enables crack-free fabrication of intricate parts like cooled turbine blades and lightweight brackets with >99.9% density. Post-processing techniques like liquid-induced healing (LIH) further enhance its mechanical properties, achieving creep resistance comparable to cast alloys.

·          High-Stress Components in Energy Systems: The alloy is used in nuclear reactors and thermal power plants for valve systems, fasteners, and heat exchangers due to its stability under prolonged high-temperature service and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

·          Repair and Refurbishment of High-Value Parts: IN738LC is applied in wide-gap diffusion brazing to repair turbine blades and other worn components. This method restores structural integrity while maintaining high-temperature performance, reducing replacement costs.

·          High-Performance Tooling: Its combination of wear resistance and thermal stability makes it suitable for injection molds and extrusion dies in manufacturing processes requiring precision under cyclic thermal loads.

In738LC High Temperature Alloy Powder Packaging

Our products are packaged in customized cartons of various sizes based on the material dimensions. Small items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are placed in custom wooden crates. We ensure strict adherence to packaging customization and the use of appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis - Verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing - Includes tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection - Measures thickness, width, and length to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection - Checks for defects such as scratches, cracks, or inclusions through visual and ultrasonic examination.

(5)    Hardness Testing - Determines material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

In738LC High Temperature Alloy Powder FAQs

Q1. What are the main properties of In738LC High Temperature Alloy?

IN738LC is a precipitation-strengthened nickel-based high temperature alloy with the following notable properties:

High-temperature stability: excellent mechanical properties, including creep and oxidation resistance, can be maintained at temperatures up to 850°C.

Thermal corrosion resistance: particularly suitable for high temperature corrosive environments such as gas turbines and aero-engines.

Microstructure: enhanced high-temperature strength and ductility through γ′-phase strengthening, and microcracks can be repaired in additive manufacturing through post-processing (e.g., LIH technology) to further optimize performance.

Q2. IN738LC Powder Particle Size Requirements and Selection Recommendations

Particle size distribution: Selected according to 3D printing technology:

Laser energy source (e.g., SLM): 15-53 μm fine powder to ensure high precision.

Electron Beam (EBM): 53-105 μm coarse powder to accommodate higher energy input.

Q3. How is the oxidation resistance of this alloy enhanced in high temperature environments?

Coating technology: The Reactive Air Aluminizing (RAA) process is used to form an α-Al₂O₃ layer on the surface, which significantly reduces the oxidation rate (high-temperature coatings oxidize at a rate up to 100 times lower than low-temperature coatings).

Elemental regulation: Optimize the aluminum content to promote the formation of protective oxide film and reduce substrate oxidation damage.

Performance Comparison Table with Competitive Products

Alloy Properties Comparison

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

IN738LC high-temperature alloy powder is primarily produced via gas atomization or plasma rotating electrode process (PREP). The process typically involves melting pre-alloyed IN738LC feedstock in an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon), followed by breaking the molten metal into micron-sized droplets using high-pressure gas jets (gas atomization) or centrifugal force from a high-speed rotating electrode (PREP). Rapid solidification ensures the formation of highly spherical particles (>95% sphericity) with low oxygen content (<200 ppm) and a controlled particle size distribution (15-150 μm)—finer powders (15-53 μm) for laser-based additive manufacturing (e.g., SLM) and coarser powders (53-105 μm) for electron beam melting (EBM). Critical parameters include cooling rates (>10³ K/s) to suppress elemental segregation, combined with post-processing steps like screening, airflow classification, and vacuum degassing to optimize powder flowability (Hall flow rate ≤25 s/50 g) and minimize porosity (<0.3%). These measures ensure consistency and high-temperature performance required for advanced additive manufacturing applications.