Mechanical Properties of Two MIM Processed Nickel-based Superalloys

摘要

A PADS (Plasma Assisted Debinding and Sintering) reactor developed by Lupatech S.A. has been employed to MIM process two Ni-based superalloys under Argon, at temperatures in the 1280 -1310 ℃ range, and for 2 to 3 hours. Both materials have chemical compositions similar to that of standard Nimonic~® 90 but differ considerably in their powder characteristics. One type of powder was gas-atomized whereas the other was water-atomized. Samples of both materials in as-sintered states as well as subject to different HIP and heat treating conditions have been characterized mechanically in tensile tests and by HV measurements. The best overall results are attained by the water-atomized material sintered at lower temperatures. The PADS processing of these superalloys shows marked advantages over more conventional PM processing technologies. These results are particularly relevant to the development of turbine components for the automotive and aerospace industries.