EOS adds two Ni-based superalloys for Additive Manufacturing
November 13, 2024
EOS has announced the addition of two nickel-based superalloy powders for its Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines. EOS NickelAlloy IN738 and EOS NickelAlloy K500 will be commercially available for the EOS M 290 family of machines from December 2024 and available for the EOS M 400-4 in the first half of 2025.
“EOS continues to lead in providing advanced material solutions for industries using additively manufactured parts in challenging conditions”, stated Hanna Pirkkalainen, Head of Product Management, EOS Metal Materials & Processes. “EOS IN738 offers a crack-free solution for high-stress, high-temperature applications, while EOS K500’s combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity enables its applications to perform exceptionally well in extreme temperatures. With these additions to our metal materials portfolio, we can broaden our application range and expand the reach of industrial 3D printing.”
EOS IN738
EOS IN738 combines high strength and heat resistance, with a tensile strength of 1,265 MPa and 4.5% elongation. Compared to traditionally manufactured superalloys, EOS IN738 is said to better withstand higher-temperature environments and show less deterioration in high-stress applications (such as turbine blades and other energy components).
Precision ADM, based in Winnipeg, Canada, provided an early test case for the material, producing turbine blades for a Canadian energy customer experiencing issues with the supply chain and spare part inventory.
“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 1,700ºF produced by an active turbine,” stated Derek VanDenDreissche, BSC, Director of Medical and Industrial Sales and Business Development, Precision ADM. “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
This material was developed at the request of a major space launch organisation and aims to provide a complete solution for manufacturers seeking a balanced combination of strength and moderate thermal conductivity. The material is said to be well suited for space applications like thrusters and nozzles, as well as chemical processors making pumps and valves, and maritime applications.
“EOS K500 fills an important gap between two worlds of AM materials, the high mechanical strength of nickel-superalloys and the thermal conductivity of copper alloys,” added Juha Kotila, M. Sc., Business Development Manager, EOS Metal Materials. “The EOS material development team successfully created EOS K500 as a solution for space applications where both mechanical strength and thermal conductivity are needed at the same time, or in extreme conditions.”
