Top Benefits of Using Inconel 718 Forgings in Aerospace & Power Generation
In demanding industries like aerospace and power generation, performance and reliability are not just expectations — they are necessities. With extreme temperatures, high stress, and corrosive environments, the materials used must exceed standard tolerances. This is where Inconel 718 Forgings come into play.
In this article, we’ll explore the top benefits of using Inconel 718 forgings in these sectors, explaining not only what makes Inconel 718 so special, but also why it’s become the go-to alloy for engineers and manufacturers across the globe.
What Is Inconel 718?
Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium-based superalloy known for its exceptional strength and resistance to extreme environments. Originally developed in the 1960s, it has since become widely used in high-performance applications due to its:
- Outstanding high-temperature strength
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Exceptional fatigue and creep resistance
- Good weldability and machinability
What sets Inconel 718 apart is its ability to maintain its mechanical properties at temperatures as high as 700°C (1300°F) — a critical factor for both jet engines and turbine components.
Why Forgings Over Other Forms?
Forging is a manufacturing process where metal is shaped under compressive forces. Compared to casting or machining from billets, Inconel 718 Forgings offer:
- Superior grain structure, which translates to better mechanical strength
- Enhanced durability and toughness
- Reduced defects, such as porosity or inclusions
- Optimized material usage, minimizing waste
In industries like aerospace and power generation, these benefits can dramatically improve performance and reliability while reducing long-term maintenance costs.
1. Exceptional High-Temperature Performance
One of the most important advantages of Inconel 718 forgings is their ability to retain strength at elevated temperatures. This is crucial in applications like:
- Jet engine components, where internal temperatures can reach over 600°C
- Gas turbines, used in both aircraft and power plants
- Heat exchangers and combustion chambers, which are exposed to prolonged thermal stress
Thanks to its precipitation-hardening mechanism (via niobium and molybdenum additions), Inconel 718 maintains its strength without becoming brittle at high temperatures. This gives it a distinct advantage over stainless steels or titanium alloys in thermal-critical environments.
« Materials that fail under heat are liabilities. Inconel 718 thrives in it. »
2. Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance
In both aerospace and power generation, components are constantly exposed to:
- Moisture
- Oxidizing gases
- Salt-laden environments (especially in marine aerospace applications)
Inconel 718 Forgings offer superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion, even in the presence of aggressive chemicals like:
- Chlorides
- Sulfates
- Nitric and sulfuric acids
This corrosion resistance translates into longer service life and lower maintenance intervals, especially in:
- Steam turbines
- Nuclear reactors
- Offshore drilling platforms
- Afterburners and tailpipes of aircraft
3. Excellent Fatigue and Creep Resistance
Fatigue and creep are two primary failure modes in high-stress, high-temperature environments:
- Fatigue is caused by cyclic loading
- Creep is deformation under sustained stress at high temperatures
Inconel 718’s microstructure, strengthened by γ” (gamma double prime) and γ’ (gamma prime) precipitates, resists both these modes impressively. That’s why it’s commonly used in:
- Turbine discs
- Shafting
- Exhaust cones
- Fasteners in high-cycle environments
Forged Inconel 718 parts outperform cast or machined equivalents due to better grain orientation and reduced stress risers, resulting in superior fatigue life and dimensional stability.
4. Superior Weldability and Machinability
Despite being a superalloy, Inconel 718 is one of the more weldable and machinable high-temperature alloys. This makes Inconel 718 forgings easier to incorporate into large or complex assemblies.
Benefits for manufacturers include:
- Ease of fabrication for large turbine or aircraft engine parts
- Reduced post-weld cracking due to its balanced composition
- Greater design flexibility, especially when combining forged and welded components
Its resistance to strain-age cracking is a major reason why it is preferred over other Inconel grades like 625 or 706 in welded applications.
5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
While Inconel 718 might seem expensive initially, the life-cycle cost savings are significant due to:
- Reduced frequency of part replacement
- Lower maintenance and inspection requirements
- Fewer failure incidents or unexpected downtime
In sectors like power generation — where shutdowns cost millions per day — choosing materials that extend operation cycles is a smart financial decision.
6. Certified for Critical Aerospace Applications
In aerospace, not all alloys make the cut. Inconel 718 Forgings meet strict specifications from:
- ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
- AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications)
- NACE standards for corrosion resistance
These forgings are used in flight-critical components, such as:
- Turbine discs and blades
- Compressor fasteners
- Engine casings
- Rocket propulsion parts
Because of their proven track record and certified performance, aerospace OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) rely on Inconel 718 forgings to ensure safety and reliability in flight.
7. Performance in Extreme Environments
Aside from heat and corrosion, Inconel 718 forgings are also:
- Cryogenically stable — can perform at temperatures as low as -200°C
- Pressure resistant — ideal for high-pressure environments like combustors and reactors
- Shock-resistant — ideal for aerospace launches and turbine blade impacts
This makes Inconel 718 an extremely versatile alloy capable of performing under a wide variety of environmental extremes.
8. Tailored Microstructure through Forging
Forging allows manufacturers to control grain flow and direction, optimizing:
- Tensile strength
- Fracture toughness
- Directional properties
In high-speed rotating parts like turbine rotors or jet engine discs, this grain alignment is crucial. It improves performance under:
- Centrifugal forces
- Vibration
- Axial loading
This structural control is what makes Inconel 718 forgings superior to castings or bar stock in such applications.
9. Compatibility with Modern Manufacturing Technologies
Forged Inconel 718 components are increasingly used in additive-subtractive hybrid manufacturing, where forged blanks are refined using:
- CNC machining
- Additive layering for repairs or design tweaks
- Surface treatments and coatings
Its machinability and consistency make it ideal for integrating with smart manufacturing environments like Industry 4.0 setups.
10. Sustainability and Recyclability
As industries push for more sustainable practices, Inconel 718 forgings offer an edge:
- They are highly durable, reducing replacement frequency
- They can be recycled with minimal degradation of properties
- They support longer service life, reducing carbon footprint from manufacturing
Power plants and aerospace firms alike appreciate the low waste, high-value lifecycle of Inconel 718 components.
Applications of Inconel 718 Forgings in Aerospace & Power Generation
Let’s take a closer look at specific components where Inconel 718 is already making an impact:
Aerospace:
- Turbine discs and blades
- Compressor casings
- Engine mounts and fasteners
- Afterburner components
- Thrust reversers
- Fuel nozzles
- Rocket engine parts
Power Generation:
- Steam and gas turbine blades
- Combustion chambers
- Nuclear reactor parts
- Heat exchangers
- Bolting and high-pressure seals
- Transition ducts in combined cycle plants
Choosing the Right Supplier for Inconel 718 Forgings
Not all forgings are created equal. When selecting a supplier, ensure they offer:
- Certified raw materials sourced from reliable mills
- Controlled forging environments
- Ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant testing
- Dimensional accuracy and quality assurance documentation
Working with experienced manufacturers guarantees components that meet critical specifications and perform reliably in mission-critical systems.
Conclusion
From its high-temperature resilience and corrosion resistance to its fatigue strength and certification pedigree, Inconel 718 forgings are unmatched in delivering performance where it matters most.
Whether powering next-gen turbines or taking flight at supersonic speeds, this nickel superalloy continues to raise the bar.