Nickel Alloy Powder for Additive Manufacturing
Your guide to nickel-based superalloy powders: Inconel 718, Inconel 625, Hastelloy X, and Waspaloy. Compare high-temperature properties, corrosion resistance, PSD specs, pricing based on PS Price Index data, and find verified Chinese manufacturers.
¥250–900
EXW Price (CNY/kg)
15–53µm
Typical LPBF PSD
VIGA
Production Method
>600°C
Service Temperature
1. Nickel Alloy Grades — Choosing the Right Superalloy
Nickel-based superalloys are the workhorses of high-temperature and corrosive environments. They maintain strength at temperatures where titanium and aluminum would fail, making them essential for aerospace engines, oil & gas equipment, and chemical processing. Chinese manufacturers have significantly improved their nickel alloy powder quality in the past 3 years.
| Grade | Service Temp | Key Property | Price (CNY/kg) | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 718 | Up to 700°C | High strength, weldable | ¥250–400 | Turbine disks, casings, fasteners, cryogenic |
| Inconel 625 | Up to 980°C | Superior corrosion resistance | ¥280–450 | Chemical processing, marine, heat exchangers |
| Hastelloy X (GH3536) | Up to 1200°C | Oxidation resistance | ¥300–480 | Combustion chambers, furnace components |
| Waspaloy / IN738LC | Up to 870°C | Creep resistance | ¥500–900 | Turbine blades, seals, rings |
💡 PS Price Index Data (2026): GH3536/GH3230 (Hastelloy X equivalent) 15–53µm median is ¥300/kg (3 verified quotes). IN738LC 15–53µm PREP median is ¥780/kg (4 verified quotes, latest: 2026-07-09). Inconel 718 is the most traded nickel alloy powder — for Hastelloy X and Waspaloy, verify that the supplier has experience with these grades.
2. Critical Quality Factors for Nickel Alloy Powder
Oxygen Content: Nickel alloys are less reactive than titanium but oxygen pickup during atomization still matters. Target <300 ppm for aerospace-grade powder. Chinese EIGA/VIGA suppliers typically achieve 200–350 ppm.
Porosity: Gas-trapped porosity is a known issue with VIGA nickel powder. Request cross-section SEM images showing <0.5% internal porosity. PREP powder has near-zero porosity but costs 2–3x more.
Segregation: Inconel 718 is prone to niobium segregation during atomization. Request homogenization heat treatment certificate. Segregation causes inconsistent mechanical properties and hot cracking during printing.
Recyclability: Nickel alloy powder can typically be reused 10–15 times with proper sieving. After each build, sieve used powder to remove agglomerates and spatter. Monitor oxygen pickup across reuse cycles.
3. Key Standards & Certifications
- ✓ASTM F3055 — Standard specification for Inconel 718 powder for AM. Covers chemistry, PSD, and impurity limits for aerospace applications.
- ✓AMS 5662/5663 — Aerospace Material Specifications for Inconel 718. Heat treatment and mechanical property requirements.
- ✓ASTM F3301 — Standard for Inconel 625 powder for AM. Required for chemical processing and marine applications.
- ✓API 6A / NACE MR-0175 — Oil & gas standards for materials in H₂S service. Required for downhole and subsea components.
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