HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUPERALLOY

Inconel 718

The material of choice for the most extreme applications. Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium superalloy that maintains exceptional strength and corrosion resistance at cryogenic and extremely high temperatures.

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A complex metal turbine blade, a prime application for a high-temperature superalloy like Inconel 718

Engineered for Extreme Environments

Inconel 718 is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-based alloy. Its unique composition provides a remarkable combination of high strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability, but its defining characteristic is its ability to maintain these properties across a huge temperature range, from -250°C to 700°C (-420°F to 1300°F).

High Creep & Rupture Strength

At high temperatures where aluminum and steel would soften and fail, Inconel maintains its structural integrity and resists deforming under load (creep), making it essential for jet engine and gas turbine components.

Excellent Corrosion Resistance

The high nickel and chromium content provides outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion in aggressive environments, including sour gas, seawater, and jet fuel.

Manufacturing with Inconel 718

Due to its extreme toughness and tendency to work-harden, Inconel is very difficult to machine and requires specialized expertise.

CNC Machining: We use specific ceramic tooling, low cutting speeds, high torque machines, and optimized cooling strategies to successfully machine Inconel components to tight tolerances.
DMLS 3D Printing: Inconel 718 is also available as a powder for Direct Metal Laser Sintering. This allows for the creation of highly complex, topologically optimized parts like turbine blades and fuel injectors that would be impossible to machine.

A complex 5-axis machined aerospace part, similar to those made from Inconel

Inconel 718 FAQ

What are the main applications for Inconel?

Its primary applications are in the aerospace and energy sectors. It is used for critical components in jet engines, gas turbines, rocket engines, nuclear reactors, and downhole tooling for oil and gas exploration.

Why is Inconel so difficult to machine?

Inconel rapidly work-hardens during machining. The cutting action itself makes the surface layer harder, which puts extreme stress on the cutting tool and generates a great deal of heat. This requires very rigid machines and specialized techniques to manage.

What is precipitation hardening?

This is a heat treatment process that dramatically increases the strength of the alloy. After machining or printing, the Inconel part is heated to a specific temperature for a period of time, which causes microscopic particles to form within the metal's grain structure. These particles impede dislocations, making the material significantly stronger.