Udimet 520 Alloy Powder: Properties and Applications

# Udimet 520 Alloy Powder: Properties and Applications

## Introduction to Udimet 520 Alloy Powder

Udimet 520 is a high-performance nickel-based superalloy powder known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. This alloy is widely used in aerospace, power generation, and other demanding industrial applications where materials must perform under severe conditions.

## Chemical Composition

The composition of Udimet 520 alloy powder typically includes:

Nickel (Ni): 50-55%

Chromium (Cr): 18-20%

Cobalt (Co): 10-12%

Molybdenum (Mo): 5-6%

Aluminum (Al): 2-3%

Titanium (Ti): 2-3%

Other elements: Iron, carbon, boron, zirconium in smaller quantities

## Key Properties of Udimet 520 Alloy Powder

### High-Temperature Strength

Udimet 520 maintains excellent mechanical properties at temperatures up to 980°C (1800°F), making it ideal for turbine engine components.

### Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance

The alloy demonstrates outstanding resistance to oxidation and hot corrosion, particularly in sulfur-containing environments.

### Fatigue Resistance

Udimet 520 exhibits superior fatigue resistance, crucial for components subjected to cyclic loading.

### Creep Resistance

The alloy shows remarkable creep resistance at elevated temperatures, maintaining dimensional stability under stress.

## Manufacturing Processes

Udimet 520 alloy powder is typically produced through:

• Gas atomization

• Plasma rotating electrode process (PREP)

• Vacuum induction melting followed by gas atomization (VIGA)

## Applications of Udimet 520 Alloy Powder

### Aerospace Industry

Turbine Components

Used in manufacturing turbine blades, vanes, and disks for jet engines and gas turbines.

Afterburner Components

Ideal for parts exposed to extreme temperatures in afterburner sections.

### Power Generation

Gas Turbine Components

Applied in high-temperature sections of industrial gas turbines for power plants.

### Industrial Applications

High-Temperature Fasteners

Used for bolts, nuts, and other fasteners in extreme environments.

Chemical Processing Equipment

Components exposed to corrosive environments at elevated temperatures.

## Advantages Over Other Superalloys

• Better high-temperature strength than many nickel-based alloys

• Superior oxidation resistance compared to cobalt-based alloys

• Excellent fabricability in powder form for additive manufacturing

• Good weldability compared to some precipitation-hardened superalloys

## Heat Treatment

Udimet 520 typically undergoes the following heat treatment:

1. Solution treatment at 1080-1120°C (1976-2048°F)

2. Aging at 760-870°C (1400-1600°F)

3. Optional double aging for optimal properties

## Powder Characteristics

• Particle size distribution: 15-45 μm (typical for AM applications)

• Spherical morphology for good flowability

• Low oxygen content (<100 ppm)

• High apparent density (>4.5 g/cm³)

## Additive Manufacturing with Udimet 520

Udimet 520 powder is increasingly used in:

• Selective laser melting (SLM)

• Electron