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# Udimet 720 Nickel Alloy Powder Properties and Applications

## Introduction to Udimet 720 Nickel Alloy Powder

Udimet 720 is a high-performance nickel-based superalloy powder widely used in aerospace, power generation, and other high-temperature applications. This alloy is known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme environments.

## Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Udimet 720 nickel alloy powder typically includes:

– Nickel (Ni): Balance
– Chromium (Cr): 16-18%
– Cobalt (Co): 14-16%
– Molybdenum (Mo): 2.5-3.5%
– Titanium (Ti): 4.5-5.5%
– Aluminum (Al): 2.0-3.0%
– Iron (Fe): ≤1.0%
– Carbon (C): ≤0.03%
– Boron (B): ≤0.02%
– Zirconium (Zr): ≤0.05%

## Physical and Mechanical Properties

Udimet 720 nickel alloy powder exhibits remarkable physical and mechanical properties:

### Physical Properties

– Density: 8.22 g/cm³
– Melting Range: 1290-1345°C (2354-2453°F)
– Thermal Conductivity: 11.4 W/m·K at 20°C
– Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 13.2 μm/m·K (20-100°C)

### Mechanical Properties

– Tensile Strength: 1200-1400 MPa (at room temperature)
– Yield Strength: 850-1000 MPa (at room temperature)
– Elongation: 10-20%
– Hardness: 35-45 HRC

## Key Characteristics

Udimet 720 nickel alloy powder offers several unique characteristics:

– Excellent high-temperature strength
– Outstanding creep resistance
– Good oxidation and corrosion resistance
– Superior fatigue resistance
– Maintains mechanical properties at elevated temperatures
– Good weldability and fabricability

## Manufacturing Process

The production of Udimet 720 nickel alloy powder typically involves:

– Vacuum induction melting (VIM) of raw materials
– Gas atomization to produce fine spherical powder
– Sieving to achieve desired particle size distribution
– Quality control testing for chemical composition and particle morphology

## Applications of Udimet 720 Nickel Alloy Powder

Udimet 720 finds applications in various demanding industries:

### Aerospace Industry

– Turbine blades and vanes
– Compressor disks
– Combustion chamber components
– Afterburner parts

### Power Generation

– Gas turbine components
– Steam turbine blades
– High-temperature fasteners
– Power plant exhaust systems

### Industrial Applications

– Chemical processing equipment
– Oil and gas components
– Nuclear reactor parts
– High-performance fasteners

## Advantages Over Other Superalloys

Udimet 720 offers several advantages compared to other nickel-based superalloys:

– Better high-temperature capability than Inconel 718
– Superior creep resistance compared to Waspaloy
– Excellent balance of strength and ductility
– Good microstructural stability at elevated temperatures
– Better oxidation resistance than many competing alloys

## Powder Characteristics for Additive Manufacturing

When used in additive manufacturing processes like selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM), Udimet 720 powder requires specific characteristics:

– Particle size distribution: 15-45 μm (for SLM) or 45-106 μm (for EBM)
– Spherical morphology for good flowability
– Low oxygen content (<100 ppm)
– High apparent density (>4.5 g/cm³)
– Good packing density

## Heat Treatment

Proper heat treatment is crucial for achieving optimal properties in Udimet 720 components:

– Solution treatment at 1080-1120°C (1976-2048°F)
– Aging at