Inconel
718 wire is a nickel-chromium alloy which can be hardened by precipitation and
have creep-rupture strength at high temperatures of about 700 degrees C. This
alloy has better mechanical properties at low temperatures than Inconel X-750
and Nimonic 90. Inconel 718 has higher strength than Inconel X-750 and it is
also known as Superimphy 718, Pyromet 718, Udimet 718, Nicrofer 5219, Haynes
718 and Supermet 718.
Applications of Inconel 718 wire in
various fields such as
·
Springs
·
Nuclear hold down spring and other components
·
Seal rings
·
Gas turbine components
Nickel
based superalloys are within the industrial gas turbine (IGT) engine
manufacturing industries for meeting the requirements of the hot gas path
components. These superalloys are exposed to the severe operating conditions
where high temperature creep, ductility, tensile strength and oxidation
resistance are required to withstand the loadings imposed. Various nickel based
superalloys such as dilute solid solution strengthened alloys, highly alloyed precipitation
hardened materials are developed to meet the requirements for high temperature
structural performance and environmental resistance.
Nickel
based superalloy components are joined using methods such as electron beam
(EB), gas tungsten arc (GTA), laser welding, friction/inertia bonding etc.
Weldability is the capacity of a material to be joined under imposed
fabrication conditions into a specific, appropriately designed structure and to
perform satisfactorily in the intended service providing fitness for purpose
with minimal distortion and controlled number of defects. These procedures
should be conducted in a cost-effective manner and the process parameters are
determined using empirical ways.
Two
heat treatments are used for Inconel 718 such as
·
Solution anneal at 1700-1850 degrees F followed by fast
cooling in water and precipitation hardening at 1325 degrees F for eight hours,
furnace cool to 1150 degrees F, hold at 1150 degrees F for a total aging time
of 18 hours followed by air cooling.
·
Solution anneal at 1900-1950 degrees F followed by fast
cooling in water and precipitation hardening at 1400 degrees F for 10 hours,
furnace cool to 1200 degrees F, hold at 1200 degrees F for a total aging time
of 20 hours followed by air cooling.
Standard
wire finishes which are available for Inconel 718 are:
·
Grease (round wire only): Drawn in a heavy grease produces an
“Ultra bright” finish for decorative applications
·
Extra Clean: (XC) Extra clean is also referred to as “bright
annealed” or “bright annealed and cold rolled”
·
Soap (round wire only): Soap is used as a lubricant in the
drawing process and is not removed. It acts as a lubricant during customer part
forming operation. A soap finish is available in tempered products.
Various
forms which are available for Inconel 718 are:
·
Cut to lengths
·
Continuous Coils
·
Precision cutting
Inconel
718 can be hardened by
·
Age Hardening
·
Cold Working
·
Cold Working followed by Age Hardening
Inconel
718 can be cold rolled to obtain the temper properties needed by specific
customers or manufacturing requirements.