There is now the option to print with the superalloy Inconel in the Metal X 3D printer from Markforged. The new Inconel 625 is a nickel-based superalloy known for its propensity to retain high strength at elevated temperatures. It is often applied in chemical, offshore, and aerospace industries.
Inconel 625 is a nickel-chromium based alloy with 20-23% chromium content. It has an ultimate tensile strength of 765 MPa, 0.2% yield strength of 334 MPa, and 42% elongation at break (after sintering). Compared to wrought Inconel 625 (AMS 5599) which has 100% relative density, Markforged Inconel as sintered has a relative density of 96.5%.
Sample preparation equipment manufacturer Nieka Systems is the first customer of Markforged’s Inconel 625. The company has been using the Metal X to 3D print crucible clips that hold ore and cement samples during rapid cycling. Through testing, the team has found that the 3D printed components have a comparable performance to machined Inconel 625 clips. However, they also enable Nieka Systems to produce the parts inhouse, reducing lead times to days rather than weeks, and reportedly making them ten times more cost effective.
“Investing in the Markforged Metal X system to print with Inconel in-house was a no brainer,” said Louis Croisetiere, PhD, Founder of Nieka Systems.
“The metal finish is stunning, and it’s easy to upload the part, get the print running, and if we print five or 10 parts on Monday, we’ll be able to use them a few days later.”
