UDIMET 520 Nickel Alloy Powder

UDIMET 520 nickel alloy powder is a high-performance, precipitation-hardenable nickel-base superalloy powder engineered for high-temperature structural parts (notably turbine blading and hot-section components). It combines superior creep resistance, high tensile strength at elevated temperatures, and strong oxidation resistance, making it a preferred powder for powder metallurgy, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), thermal spray, and additive manufacturing (SLM/EBM) of critical components. MWAlloys supplies genuine UDIMET 520 powder from China with 100% factory pricing, ready stock for fast shipment and full material traceability for aerospace and power-generation buyers.

What is UDIMET 520?

UDIMET 520 belongs to the nickel-base superalloy family designed for high-temperature structural service. It is precipitation-hardenable and uses a balanced mix of chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, and aluminum to generate strength through controlled precipitation of gamma-prime and carbides. That combination yields excellent tensile and creep properties at temperatures typical for gas-turbine hot sections and high-stress industrial engines. These features make UDIMET 520 a standard choice where longevity at elevated temperature matters.

Typical chemical composition

Below is a practical composition table commonly used for powder manufacture and for acceptance testing. Individual lots from different producers may show small tolerances; purchasers should request a certified chemical analysis (C of A) with each shipment.

(Reference composition summary used by industry suppliers and datasheets.)

Identifiers and standards: UDIMET 520 is commonly listed under UNS N07520 and is covered by multiple technical product datasheets from nickel alloy producers and powder manufacturers. Some casting/forging product forms reference AMS/industry specifications for acceptance and process control.

Key mechanical and high-temperature properties

The alloy delivers a combination of properties valued for hot-section use:

• High tensile strength at ambient and elevated temperatures; typical tensile minima often exceed 120–130 ksi (830–900 MPa) in wrought forgings; powder consolidated parts vary by processing route and heat treatment.

• Excellent creep resistance up to service temperatures in the range of roughly 700–900°C (1300–1650°F), depending upon precise conditions and part geometry.

• Good oxidation resistance due to chromium and controlled Al/Ti balance that supports protective scale formation.

• Fabricability: despite high strength, the alloy can be forged, machined, and heat treated following recommended procedures; powder forms enable near-net shapes with HIP for reduced machining.

(Exact mechanical numbers depend on product form, process parameters, and heat treatment. Always request a recent lot C of A and mechanical test reports.)

Powder forms, particle size distributions, and production routes

Manufacturers supply UDIMET 520 powder in several formats tailored to end use:

• Spherical gas-atomized powder for additive manufacturing (SLM/EBM) and cold/hot spray. Typical AM particle size: 15–45 µm (often quoted 15–53 µm). Larger fractions (45–150 µm or 50–150 µm) target thermal spray or conventional powder metallurgy operations.

• Powder metallurgy feedstock: carefully sieved and sized powders packaged under inert atmosphere or vacuum-sealed to preserve surface condition and minimize oxygen pick-up.

• Customized blends and pre-alloyed batches are available for specific binder-jet or injection molding processes; MWAlloys can arrange lot sizes from small development quantities (1–5 kg) up to bulk drums.

Quality control for powders typically includes: particle size distribution (PSD), flowability (Hall flow or equivalent), apparent density, oxygen and nitrogen content, tap density, and morphology checks by SEM. These metrics control AM layer deposition behavior and final part performance.

Typical additive manufacturing, consolidation, and thermal spray guidance

• Selective Laser Melting / Powder Bed Fusion (SLM/PBF): UDIMET 520 powder performs well in SLM systems when process windows are optimized. Use inert atmosphere (low O₂ < 100 ppm), tightly controlled layer thickness, and optimized energy density to limit cracking and residual stress. Post-processing including HIP and solution/age heat treatment yields best creep resistance.

• Electron Beam Melting (EBM): EBM reduces thermal gradients and can lower cracking risk for certain superalloy powders, but surface finish and microstructure differ from SLM; post-HIP and heat treatment are still recommended.

• Thermal spray / HVOF: Larger particle sizes preferred; UDIMET 520 coatings provide oxidation resistance in hot environments. Preheat and substrate compatibility must be handled carefully.

Common industrial applications

The alloy is widely used where high temperature strength and durability are required:

• Gas turbine blade and vane components for aircraft engines and land-based turbines.

• High-temperature seals, shrouds, and combustor hardware in power generation.

• Aerospace components requiring a balance of fatigue resistance, creep strength, and oxidation stability.

• Thermal spray and repair applications for parts needing restored geometry and surface durability.

Metallurgical behavior, heat treatment, and welding notes

• Precipitation hardening: controlled solution treatment followed by aging produces the fine γ' (gamma-prime) precipitates that strengthen the matrix. Heat treatment schedules are process dependent; recommended cycles should be obtained from technical datasheets or supplier technical assistance.

• Grain growth and carbide behavior: for wrought parts, controlling grain size and carbide distribution improves creep life. Powder consolidated and HIP material usually shows uniform microstructure but still benefits from optimized thermal processing. Research on grain growth and carbide precipitation confirms the sensitivity of UDIMET 520 microstructure to thermal exposure.

• Welding: specialized procedures required; brazing or repair weld wire must match chemistry and be qualified. For critical components, repair by additive weld repair or thermal spray plus HIP may be preferable.

Quality assurance, testing and traceability

MWAlloys enforces tight controls for aerospace and power-generation customers:

• Full material certification (C of A) with each lot: chemical analysis, PSD, O₂/N₂ content, density, and surface condition.

• Mechanical tests on representative batches can be provided: tensile at ambient and elevated temperature, creep test certificates on request.

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) options available for consolidated components (e.g., ultrasonic, radiography).

• Traceability from melt to finished powder with lot numbers, heat numbers, and packaging records. This is mandatory for customers with strict procurement requirements.

Industry standards such as AMS and UNS identifiers are commonly referenced; buyers should specify required specifications up front.

Handling, storage, safety, and best practices

• Storage: keep sealed in original vacuum packaging or under inert gas. Minimize exposure to humid air to avoid oxide/hydroxide formation.

• Dust control: fine metal powders present inhalation and explosion hazards. Use grounded conductive containers, local exhaust ventilation, and dust-collecting PPE.

• Shipping: MWAlloys ships per IATA/IMDG rules for metal powders; special handling for larger consignments coordinated with freight partners.

• Processing safety: use recommended protective equipment during AM: fume extraction, powder handling protocols, and controlled oxygen levels. Follow supplier MSDS for UDIMET 520 powder.

Why choose MWAlloys?

• Factory pricing: MWAlloys sources UDIMET 520 powder directly from licensed powder manufacturers and offers 100% factory pricing to reduce cost margins in the supply chain.

• Stock and fast dispatch: standard powder fractions in stock in China for most common particle size ranges (15–45 µm, 15–53 µm, 45–150 µm) enabling rapid shipment.

• Technical support: documentation, process recommendations, and optional test reports accompany most shipments.

• Custom services: lot sizes from development samples to bulk drums, private labeling for OEMs, and assistance with qualification paperwork.

• Traceability and QC: full C of A, material traceability from melt to powder, and optional third-party testing.

Comparative notes: UDIMET 520 vs similar alloys

• UDIMET 520 vs INCONEL 718: UDIMET 520 tends to have higher temperature creep strength, different precipitation chemistry, and different forging/heat treating windows. 718 often favored for broad machinability and easier welding; UDIMET 520 chosen for hotter sections.

• UDIMET 520 vs other UDIMET grades (e.g., 720): alloying balance differs. Selection is driven by operating temperature, oxidation environment, and mechanical requirement.

Practical selection checklist

1. Confirm required product form: spherical gas-atomized powder for AM, or coarser powder for spraying.

2. Specify particle size distribution (PSD) and max oxygen content.

3. Ask for C of A with element assay and impurity levels.

4. Request flowability and apparent density numbers for AM qualification.

5. Plan for post-processing: HIP, solution/age heat treatment, machining allowances.

6. Define NDT and mechanical testing requirements prior to acceptance.

7. Ensure packaging and shelf life meet your logistics needs.

8. Confirm traceability from melt to powder.

9. Clarify warranty and return policy for non-conforming lots.

10. Evaluate total landed cost including customs, duties and lead time.

Useful technical tables

Table A — Typical powder product offerings

(Exact SKUs subject to current stock; contact MWAlloys sales for up-to-date availability.)

Table B — Representative mechanical properties

FAQs

1. What is UDIMET 520 powder commonly used for?
   High-temperature structural components including turbine blades, shrouds, and combustor parts for aerospace and power generation; also for thermal spray and repair applications.

2. What particle sizes do you offer for additive manufacturing?
   Typical production ranges: 15–45 µm and 15–53 µm. Custom sieving available for development lots.

3. Does MWAlloys provide C of A and traceability?
   Yes. Each lot ships with full chemical analysis, PSD data, and lot/heat number traceability.

4. How should UDIMET 520 powder be stored?
   In original sealed vacuum or inert packaging; cool, dry storage; avoid prolonged exposure to moist air.

5. Is UDIMET 520 suitable for SLM without hot isostatic pressing?
   Parts can be printed in SLM, but for highest creep and fatigue performance, HIP plus solution/age heat treatment is recommended.

6. What certifications can MWAlloys support?
   Standard material certification (C of A) included. Additional testing or third-party certification negotiable for aerospace purchase orders.

7. How does UDIMET 520 powder compare to IN718?
   UDIMET 520 generally has superior high-temperature creep strength; IN718 is easier to weld and machine for mid-temperature use. Selection should match service temperature and performance needs.

8. What are common powder QC tests?
   PSD, morphology, flowability, apparent/tap density, oxygen/nitrogen content, chemical assay.

9. What packaging options exist for samples or bulk?
   Vacuum sealed foil pouches for samples (1–5 kg) and sealed drums for bulk (10–50 kg). Custom packaging on request.

10. How fast can MWAlloys ship from China?
    For in-stock items, typical lead times range from immediate shipment up to several working days depending on quantity and export paperwork. Contact sales for precise ETA.

Practical notes on qualification and procurement

• Prototype phase: order a small development lot (1–5 kg) and run AM trial builds plus post-process HIP. Confirm microstructure and mechanical performance.

• Qualification: maintain an audit trail: supplier C of A, incoming inspection, process parameters, final part testing. For flight hardware or critical power components, follow supplier and prime contractor qualification steps.

• Cost control: factory pricing from MWAlloys lowers unit cost; factor in post-processing (HIP, machining, testing) into total price per part.

Authoritative references

• MatWeb datasheet — UDIMET® alloy 520
• SAE / AMS 5383 — Alloy specifications (reference for nickel heat-resistant alloys)
• Met3DP — UDIMET 520 spherical powder product and PSD guidance
• DOE/technical literature — high-temperature alloys references mentioning UDIMET family behavior