UDIMET 720 nickel-base powder is a high-strength, precipitation-hardening superalloy engineered for demanding high-temperature rotating and structural components. In powder form it delivers a rare combination of elevated yield/tensile strength, good oxidation resistance up to ~980°C (1,800°F), and excellent tolerance to defects when processed by powder metallurgy or modern additive manufacturing routes. For procurement, MWAlloys supplies genuine UDIMET 720 spherical powders from China at 100% factory pricing with stock ready for rapid shipment to global OEMs and repair shops.
What is UDIMET 720?
UDIMET 720 is a precipitation-hardening nickel-base superalloy developed for high-strength, high-temperature rotating components such as turbine disks; it carries UNS number N07720. The alloy combines solid-solution elements (Cr, Co, Mo, W) with higher levels of Al and Ti that form a γ′ (Ni₃(Al,Ti)) strengthening phase during appropriate thermal treatment, yielding excellent strength at elevated temperatures.
Chemical composition
Below is a compact composition table based on primary manufacturer and technical sources. When ordering powder, always confirm the certificate of analysis (CoA) from the supplier for batch-specific values.
Element | Typical wt.% range (nominal) |
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Nickel (Ni) | Balance (≈55–60%) |
Chromium (Cr) | 15.5 – 16.5 |
Cobalt (Co) | 14.0 – 15.5 |
Titanium (Ti) | 4.75 – 5.25 |
Aluminum (Al) | 2.25 – 2.75 |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.75 – 3.25 |
Tungsten (W) | 1.00 – 1.50 |
Carbon (C) | 0.010 – 0.020 |
Boron (B) | 0.010 – 0.020 |
Zirconium (Zr) | 0.025 – 0.050 |
Iron (Fe) | Controlled, small percent |
(Source datasets compiled from alloy producers and P/M literature.)
Notes on composition: Ti and Al levels are deliberately elevated to promote a high fraction of γ′ precipitates. Controlled additions of W, Mo, Cr, and Co produce solid-solution strength and improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
Mechanical and thermal properties
The following table summarizes representative mechanical properties for wrought or P/M (powder-processed) UDIMET 720 in heat-treated condition. Actual powder-derived components will vary with AM parameters, HIP cycles, and post-heat treatment.
Property | Typical value (nominal) |
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Density | ~8.08 g/cm³ (0.292 lb/in³) |
Tensile strength (UTS) | ≥ 1,500 MPa (≈220 ksi) — batch dependent |
Yield strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 1,100 MPa (≈160 ksi) |
Elongation (in tensile) | ≥ 10–15% (condition dependent) |
Hardness | up to ~43 HRC (depending on condition) |
Maximum useful temperature | ~980°C (1,800°F) for short-term use; long-term exposure limits lower |
(Representative values from producers and datasheets; verify CoA for specific powder lots.)
Strengthening mechanisms and heat treatment behavior
UDIMET 720 relies on two principal mechanisms for strength:
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Precipitation hardening (γ′ phase): High Ti and Al content lead to Ni₃(Al,Ti) precipitates that provide primary strengthening when aged at recommended temperatures. The γ′ solvus temperature is relatively high, which permits retention of γ′ at elevated service temperatures and contributes to a high yield strength.
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Solid-solution strengthening: Cr, Co, Mo, and W increase matrix strength and improve creep/oxidation resistance.
Typical industrial processing routes use solution treatment to dissolve coarse phases followed by controlled aging to precipitate a uniform γ′ size distribution. Powder-derived components often receive HIP (hot-isostatic pressing) followed by solution + aging cycles to reduce porosity and control microstructure.
Powder production, morphology, and particle size distribution (PSD)
For additive manufacturing and modern PM routes, UDIMET 720 powders are normally produced by gas atomization to create spherical particles and tight size distributions. Typical PSD for laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) or electron beam melting (EBM) applications is 15–45 µm. For directed energy deposition (DED) and some HIP feedstocks, broader distributions or 45–150 µm may be used.
Key powder quality attributes buyers should verify:
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Spherical morphology with low satellite fraction
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Low oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen content (to avoid embrittlement)
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Tap density and flowability data (Hall flow, apparent density)
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PSD by laser diffraction and sieving data
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CoA showing chemical composition and residual elements
MWAlloys supplies spherical UDIMET 720 powders manufactured in China with full CoA, digital batch traceability, and optional sieving to customer PSD targets.
Powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing performance
UDIMET 720 has a strong track record in powder metallurgy (P/M) processing. HIP followed by thermomechanical processing and aging produces disk-grade microstructures with excellent mechanical properties and reduced defects. Research and industry experience show P/M UDIMET 720 can reach performance competitive with wrought or cast variants for critical rotor components.
For additive manufacturing, two main paths appear in published literature and industrial practice:
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L-PBF (laser powder bed fusion): Achievable with careful control of energy density, scan strategy, preheating, and post-HIP. Attention must be paid to hot cracking susceptibility and retention of fine γ′. Post-HIP and tailored aging are often required.
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EBM (electron beam melting): Works for some nickel superalloys; higher build temperatures can reduce residual stress and cracking. Research continues into parameter windows that preserve γ′ and avoid topologically close-packed (TCP) phases.
General observations from AM/P/M studies:
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HIP reduces porosity and improves fatigue performance.
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Aging treatments must be tuned to avoid overgrowth of γ′ and unwanted TCP formation during long thermal exposures.
Machining, welding, and post-processing
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Machining: UDIMET 720 machines moderately to difficultly; carbide tooling and conservative cutting parameters improve tool life. Use rigid setups and take light depth passes on finished surfaces. Manufacturer tool recommendations and machining data sheets provide cutting speeds and tool grades.
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Welding and repair: Welding of high-γ′ alloys requires qualified filler metals and pre/post-weld heat treatments. Repairs on AM parts commonly use GTAW or laser cladding with compatible filler chemistry, followed by post-weld solution + aging cycles.
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Post-processing: HIP, solution treatment, aging, and stress-relief cycles are common. For AM components, machining to final tolerances plus surface finishing and non-destructive inspection (CT, dye penetrant, eddy current) are recommended.
Typical applications
UDIMET 720 powder and PM/AM parts are used in high-temperature sectors where a high strength-to-weight ratio matters:
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Turbine disks and compressor disks for aero and industrial gas turbines.
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High-speed rotating shafts and structural parts in aircraft/space engines.
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Hot structural parts in power generation and heavy industry.
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Components that require defect tolerance combined with elevated temperature strength (after HIP and proper heat treatment).
Comparative notes
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Versus IN718: UDIMET 720 typically offers higher strength at higher temperatures because of larger γ′ volume fraction. IN718 has easier weldability and broader AM parameter windows but lower high-temperature strength.
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UDIMET 720 vs. UDIMET 720Li: 720Li variants tune chemistry and heat treatment to optimize properties for specific rotor/disk service; check datasheets for Li variants and compare fatigue, creep, and process windows.
Procurement, certifications, and MWAlloys offering
MWAlloys positions itself for OEM and MRO procurement with these commitments:
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100% factory price guarantee: direct supply from our Chinese manufacturing partners, eliminating reseller markups.
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Stock availability: standard spherical UDIMET 720 PSDs in stock for fast shipment; custom sieving or dedicated lots provided on request.
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Quality control: full CoA, lot traceability, oxygen/nitrogen/hydrogen analysis, particle morphology reports, and support for third-party testing.
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Packaging and logistics: sealed inert gas packaging or vacuum packaging for long storage life; express sea/air shipment options available.
Typical procurement checklist to include in PO:
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Alloy name and UNS (UDIMET 720 / N07720)
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PSD spec (e.g., 15–45 µm)
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Spherical fraction requirement (%) and maximum satellites
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Chemical limits and CoA requirement
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Maximum oxygen, nitrogen limits
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Required packaging and shelf life instructions
Contact MWAlloys sales for an expedited quotation, sample packs, or mechanical test coupons for qualification runs.
Environmental, health, and handling considerations
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Handle UDIMET 720 powder using standard metal-powder safety practices: dust control, respiratory protection, grounded equipment to prevent static, and classified areas for combustible dust.
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Store in sealed containers, under dry, low-oxygen conditions if long term.
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Follow local regulations for metal powder waste disposal and recycling. For ship-to-ship or air shipments, confirm compliance with hazmat classification for metal powders.
Compact specification table
Field | Example spec |
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Alloy | UDIMET 720 (UNS N07720) |
Form | Gas-atomized spherical powder |
PSD | 15–45 µm (L-PBF); other ranges by request |
Composition | Per CoA (Ti 4.75–5.25, Al 2.25–2.75, Cr 15.5–16.5, Co 14–15.5, Mo 2.75–3.25, W 1.0–1.5, Ni balance) |
O, N, H limits | Provided on CoA; customer specific |
Packaging | Vacuum sealed in double bags, inert purge optional |
Certificates | CoA, material test report, chemical/PSD report, flowability data |
Lead time | Stock: immediate dispatch; custom lot: typical 2–6 weeks (confirm with MWAlloys) |
FAQs
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What does UDIMET 720 powder contain?
It is a nickel-base superalloy with elevated Ti and Al for γ′ precipitation, plus Cr, Co, Mo, and W for matrix strength. Typical ranges are in the composition table above. -
Can UDIMET 720 be used in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF)?
Yes, but it requires careful parameter optimization, preheating, and post-HIP + aging to control cracking and to reach target properties. Published work shows success in tuned parameter windows. -
What PSD should I order for AM?
Standard L-PBF PSD is 15–45 µm. For DED or non-PBF routes, larger ranges are common. Specify tight PSD and morphology requirements on the PO. -
How is UDIMET 720 powder tested for quality?
Typical tests: chemical analysis (ICP/OES), oxygen/nitrogen/hydrogen gas analysis, PSD (laser diffraction), morphology imaging, tap density, Hall flow, and CoA traceability. -
Is UDIMET 720 weldable?
Wielding requires process qualification and suitable filler metals. Post-weld heat treatment is typically necessary to recover properties. -
What temperatures can UDIMET 720 handle?
Useful up to ~980°C (1,800°F) for short exposures. Long-term creep performance depends on load, microstructure, and service temperature. -
How does HIP affect powder-processed UDIMET 720?
HIP reduces porosity, improves fatigue resistance, and produces near-wrought densities. HIP plus tailored heat treatment gives the best mechanical balance. -
Can MWAlloys provide test coupons and qualification support?
Yes. MWAlloys can supply sample powder, printed coupons, CoA, and assistance with third-party testing or inspection documentation. -
What packaging and lead times does MWAlloys offer?
Standard vacuum or inert gas packaging. Stock items ship quickly; custom lots require lead time. Contact sales for current stock status and air/sea options. -
How to prevent powder contamination during storage?
Keep powders sealed, store in a dry controlled area, avoid cross-contamination with other powders, and observe recommended shelf life or requalification if stored long term.