DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE NICKEL ALLOYS FOR MIM APPLICATIONS

摘要

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a viable manufacturing method for even the most demanding service environments including the use of nickel-based superalloys in high-temperature aerospace applications. MIM parts are qualified in aero and power-generation applications where excellent hot strength, oxidation resistance, and low-cycle fatigue resistance are required. For high-volume automotive applications, MIM has been challenging investment casting for the manufacture of turbocharger wheels in Inconel 713G. While MEM offers advantages in consistency and material utilization, the cost of powder feedstock is a major consideration, particularly where atomizing in argon is dictated by the presence of Tt and Al in the alloy. Here, we explore the effect of nitrogen atomizing on the properties of sintered Inconel 713C to assess a lower-cost route to produce powder feedstock. Elevated-temperature tensile testing has been performed on sintered products and the effect of nitrogen on microstructural development is compared with argon-atomized Inconel 713C.