AM Inconel 718
A superalloy by metal printing
Typical values for the temper in the title
Inconel 718 is the most common superalloy in metal printing. It suits printing because of the same property that makes it weldable: hardening is slow, so it is less prone to cracking during printing.
After printing a full heat treatment is performed: usually HIP or solution treatment, then double aging, as in conventional material. This reaches about 1240–1350 MPa. It is used for jet and rocket engine parts with internal cooling channels, injectors and complex hot parts. ASTM F3055 covers powder-bed-fusion 718.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 1240-1350 MPa | after HIP / solution and aging (database value) |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 1030-1100 MPa | after HIP / solution and aging (database value) |
| Elongation A | 12-20% | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 200 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 8.19 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 15% (post-HIP+age) | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | as the conventional material | see the Inconel 718 page |
The composition of the printing powder is basically the same as the conventional material, sometimes with tighter limits on oxygen and impurities.
Conditions after printing
Heat treatment is mandatory to reach strength: without aging, printed 718 is much weaker than the table values.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| As built | medium strength, not aged | not for final use |
| Solution treated and double aged | full strength | general parts |
| HIP, solution and double aged | full strength, better fatigue and creep | critical parts |
Applications
- Jet engine parts
- Rocket engine parts with cooling channels
- Injectors
- Complex hot parts
- Oil and gas components
Fabrication
Surface and fatigue
The surface of a printed part is rough and has small defects. This roughness strongly reduces fatigue resistance, so critical surfaces are machined or polished.
Porosity and HIP
Small voids may remain in a printed part (lack of fusion or gas). Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) closes most internal voids and greatly improves fatigue resistance.
Anisotropy
Properties may differ in the build direction (Z) and in the plane (XY). The build orientation of a critical part is set in advance and checked with test bars from the same build.
Powder safety
Fine metal powder can ignite and explode, and is harmful to breathe. Follow the producer instructions, with grounding, inert atmosphere and respiratory protection.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 718 | 1240–1380 / 1035–1170 MPa | Good — ERNiCrMo-6 | the conventional material (wrought or cast) · material page |
| AM Ti-6Al-4V | 950-1150 / 880-1050 MPa | Not applicable — as-built | printed Ti-6Al-4V: light, for lower heat · material page |
| AM Maraging 300 (1.2709) | 1900-2000 MPa (aged) / 1850-1950 MPa (aged) | Not applicable — as-built | printed maraging: very strong, not for heat · material page |
Common mistakes
Using a part without aging
Strength is much lower.
Assuming creep properties equal to wrought
The structure differs. Test per the requirement.
Leaving powder in internal channels
Powder left in cooling channels blocks them. Design cleaning openings.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ASTM | F3055 |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM F3055 |
| Forms | powder 15-45μm · SLM/EBM builds |
| Producers | EOS · Carpenter · Praxair · Höganäs |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. In printed parts, properties depend on the machine, parameters, build orientation and post-processing. For design, rely on the standard and on tests of parts from the same process. Sources: ASTM F2924, F3001, F3055 and F3184, EOS data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026