Inconel 718 has been added to Protolabs’ materials list
Protolabs’ growing range of metals available for its direct metal laser sintering service already includes Aluminium, 316 Stainless Steel, Titanium and now fits Inconel 718 and Maraging Steel 1.2709 into the mix,
As a nickel-based heat resistant alloy, Inconel 718 is high strength, corrosion resistant and can be used at temperatures between -252°C and 704°C – think space rocket engines – crazy capabilities and ones that take a great deal of expertise and post processing to get right.
Maraging Steel 1.2709 is a pre-alloyed ultra-high strength steel in fine powder form, with applications in tooling, aerospace and motorsports due to its mechanical properties and easy thermal age-hardening process.
Expect the vast banks of post processing machines in Protolabs’ facilities to be kept busy by the new materials
Protolabs isn’t messing around with such materials, stating that these additions to its stock reinforces its reputation among product developers for holding “a highly impressive range of metals available for rapid prototyping and functional end-use parts with complex geometries”.
