FastForm IN718 Spherical metal powder for 3D printing 15-53 microns 5 kg

FastForm IN718: Metal Powder for 3D Printing

For the manufacturing of prototypes and functional parts in the aerospace or energy sectors, a material is required that can withstand extreme temperatures, aggressive environments, and colossal mechanical loads. We present such a material: FastForm IN718 — a nickel-chromium alloy (Inconel) whose reputation in the world of metal 3D printing (SLM, DMLS) is impeccable.

This powder is more than just a raw material. It is the foundation for creating parts that were previously considered impossible to manufacture.

FastForm Powder Structure

In metal 3D printing, shape matters as much as composition. FastForm IN718 powder possesses high sphericity, which influences the physical properties of the material and finished products.

Flowability

Spherical particles behave like ideal micro-bearings. They are evenly distributed across the build platform without forming "bald spots" or clumps during recoater operation. This is the key to the stability of every layer.

Tap Density

The ideal shape allows particles to pack as tightly as possible. As a result, you get a part with minimal porosity (the density of finished products reaches 99.9%).

Minimum Satellites

The gas atomization technology used by FastForm minimizes the number of small particles "stuck" to the main spheres. This eliminates unpredictable defects during laser melting.

Technical Specifications of FastForm IN718

Working with metal is always about mathematics and chemistry. FastForm IN718 strictly complies with standards, which is confirmed by its chemical composition, where nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) are balanced with additions of niobium (Nb), mohlubdenum (Mo), and titanium (Ti).

• Fractional composition: 15–53 μm. This is the "gold standard" for SLM/DMLS systems, ensuring fine detail and surface smoothness.
• Packaging weight: 5 kg (convenient packaging for loading and storage).
• Corrosion resistance: Exceptional. Parts made from this powder are virtually immune to oxidation even at temperatures up to 700°C.
• Mechanical properties: After heat treatment, parts made from IN718 demonstrate tensile strength comparable to forged products.

Features and Magic of Inconel 718 Alloy

Inconel 718 is the "workhorse" of high-temperature alloys. Its main feature is that it is susceptible to precipitation hardening. During the printing and subsequent annealing process, phases are precipitated within the structure that "lock" the crystal lattice, making the metal incredibly hard and creep-resistant.

Unlike many other alloys, IN718 is highly weldable. In the context of 3D printing, this means a low tendency for hot cracking. You can print complex, massive geometries without fear that internal stresses will rupture the part right inside the printer chamber.

Where will FastForm IN718 powder be most useful?

If your task is to print a decorative figurine, you do not need this powder. But if you are designing components operating in conditions close to extreme, there are few alternatives:

• Aviation and Space: Turbine blades, jet engine parts, fuel system nozzles. Places where the metal must hold its shape while heating up to red-hot.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Valves, deep-sea equipment, drill bits. Anywhere hydrogen sulfide and corrosion consume ordinary steel in weeks.
• Motorsport: Exhaust manifolds and turbocharger parts for racing cars, where every gram counts and temperatures are off the charts.
• Energy: Heat exchangers and gas turbine components.

Advantages of using IN718 in 3D printing

Using FastForm IN718 powder is an investment in predictability. Here is what a professional experiences in practice:

• Time Savings: Due to the high purity of the powder, recirculation system filters clog less frequently, and the printing process remains stable from the first to the ten-thousandth layer.
• Design Freedom: You can implement complex internal cooling channels that are impossible to machine or cast. IN718 will maintain the strength of these thin walls.
• Repeatability of Results: Buying a batch today and another in six months, you will receive the same particle size distribution. This is a critical factor for certified production.
• Ease of Post-processing: Despite its hardness, the material lends itself well to electrical discharge machining, mechanical processing, and finish polishing.

Important Note: Remember that powder is a chemically active material. To maintain the properties of the 15-53 μm fraction, we recommend storing it in a dry place in its original packaging to avoid moisture sorption, which can lead to metal splattering during printing.

Why choose FastForm metal powder?

The FastForm brand has established itself as a supplier of materials that "just work." Their powders undergo strict control for compliance with the declared grain size. You won't find excess dust here that ruins laser optics, or oversized fractions that block material feeding. This is an honest product for those who value their time and 3D printer resources.

Working with metal powders is an art multiplied by rigorous science. FastForm IN718 gives you the very confidence needed when you press the "Start" button on a job worth several thousand dollars. Call us: we will help you select 3D printing materials for specific tasks!