Nickel-based superalloys target turbomachinery, chemical, maritime and space applications.
Industrial 3D printing supplier EOS has announced the addition of two new materials for metal additive manufacturing (AM). EOS NickelAlloy IN738 and EOS NickelAlloy K500 are designed for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and will be available for the EOS M 290 family of printers in December and the EOS M 400-4 in H1 2025.
EOS IN738 is designed to combine high-strength and heat resistance with a tensile strength of 1,265 MPa and 4.5% elongation. EOS claims that, compared to traditionally manufactured superalloys, EOS IN738 withstands higher-temperature environments and shows significantly less deterioration in high-stress applications, such as turbine blades and other energy components.
Winnipeg-based Precision ADM provided an early test case for EOS IN738, producing turbine blades for a Canadian energy customer experiencing the strain of supply chain and spare part inventory shortages. This project was both a test for EOS IN738 as well as what may be the first known use-test of AM in a rotating turbomachinery part.
“Because of EOS technology and EOS IN738 material, we successfully produced a turbine engine blade that achieved 110% of standard running RPM, and withstood up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit produced by an active turbine,” said Derek VanDenDreissche, director of medical and industrial sales and business development at Precision ADM, in an EOS press release. “These tests not only showcased the first-ever successful 3D printed turbine engine blade, but that EOS IN738 can withstand the high levels of heat and stress that turbomachinery applications require. Simply put, EOS IN738 was critical to the success of this project.”
EOS K500 was developed at the request of a major space launch organization and is designed to balance strength and moderate thermal conductivity, thereby bridging the performance of nickel-alloys and copper-alloys. According to EOS, this material is ideal for space applications like thrusters and nozzles, as well as chemical processors making pumps and valves, and for maritime applications.
