Inconel 718 Nickel-Chromium Superalloy Plate Solution Annealed & Ready for Machining

Inconel 718 Nickel-Chromium Superalloy Plate Solution Annealed & Ready for Machining

Products Specification

Inconel 718 Nickel-Chromium Superalloy Plate – Solution Annealed & Ready for Machining

Engineered for demanding aerospace, oil & gas, and power generation applications, solution-annealed Inconel 718 nickel-chromium superalloy plate offers the ideal balance of ductility, corrosion resistance, and machinability—serving as the preferred starting condition for complex, high-precision components. Unlike precipitation-hardened (aged) material, the solution-annealed condition maximizes formability and reduces tool wear during machining, while retaining the alloy’s inherent resistance to oxidation, sulfidation, and stress corrosion cracking.

This product guide provides detailed technical data, processing advantages, industry standards, and application insights for Inconel 718 plate supplied in the solution-annealed (UNS N07718, AMS 5662/5596 compliant) condition, optimized for secondary fabrication and final heat treatment.

Why Choose Solution-Annealed Inconel 718 Plate?

Inconel 718 derives its legendary strength from gamma-double-prime (γ″) and gamma-prime (γ′) precipitates formed during aging. However, these hard phases also increase hardness and reduce machinability. By supplying the material in the solution-annealed condition, manufacturers benefit from:

• Enhanced ductility and reduced hardness (typically 25–35 HRC vs. 40+ HRC in aged condition)
• Lower cutting forces and extended tool life during milling, turning, and drilling
• Improved cold-forming capability for bending, stamping, or deep drawing
• Uniform microstructure free of residual stresses from prior processing
• Flexibility to perform final aging after machining, minimizing distortion

This makes solution-annealed plate the standard choice for shops producing turbine blades, downhole tools, fasteners, and custom aerospace fittings.

Material Standards & Designations

All plates are fully traceable with Mill Test Reports (MTRs) including chemistry, mechanical properties, and heat treatment certification.

Chemical Composition (Weight %)

Note: Nb and Ti remain in solid solution after annealing—precipitation occurs only during subsequent aging.

Solution Annealing Process (Per ASTM B670 / AMS Guidelines)

The plate is heated to 954–982°C (1750–1800°F), held for sufficient time (typically 1 hour per inch of thickness), then rapidly cooled (air or water quench) to:

• Dissolve γ″ and γ′ strengthening phases
• Homogenize the microstructure
• Maximize ductility and corrosion resistance
• Prepare the material for optimal response to final aging

This condition is often designated as “Condition A” in procurement specifications.

Mechanical Properties – Solution Annealed Condition

Compared to aged material, yield strength is ~30% lower—but machinability improves by 40–60%.

Physical Properties

Excellent thermal stability supports consistent performance during machining and subsequent heat treatment.

Available Dimensions & Tolerances

• Surface Finish: Hot-rolled descaled, pickled, or cold-rolled bright annealed
• Edge Condition: Mill edge or slit edge (deburred available)
• Custom Cutting: Waterjet, laser, or saw-cut to print

Key Advantages for Machining Operations

1. Reduced Work Hardening Rate: Softer matrix minimizes rapid tool dulling.
2. Better Chip Control: Improved ductility allows for continuous chip formation.
3. Lower Power Consumption: Reduced cutting forces extend spindle life.
4. Complex Geometry Feasibility: Ideal for 5-axis milling of turbine airfoils or impellers.
5. Post-Machining Aging: Final heat treatment achieves full strength with minimal distortion.

Recommended Machining Practices:

• Tooling: Carbide inserts (ISO K or S class), sharp edges, positive rake angles
• Coolant: High-pressure soluble oil or synthetic coolant
• Speeds: 15–30 m/min (50–100 SFM) for turning/milling
• Feeds: 0.1–0.3 mm/rev (0.004–0.012 in/rev)
• Avoid: Interrupted cuts without proper tool support

Common Applications (Machined from Solution-Annealed Plate)

After machining, parts are typically aged per AMS 5662 (718°C/8h + 621°C/8h) to achieve final mechanical properties.

Quality Assurance & Certification

Every batch includes:

• Full chemical analysis (OES or ICP)
• Tensile test report (room temperature)
• Hardness verification (Rockwell C)
• Ultrasonic inspection (optional per AMS 2631)
• EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 compliance documentation
• AS9100/ISO 9001 quality system certification

Storage & Handling Recommendations

• Store in dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent surface oxidation
• Use non-metallic slings or padded lifters to avoid surface damage
• Keep separate from carbon steel to prevent iron contamination (which can initiate pitting)
• Clean with alkaline cleaners before welding or heat treatment

Conclusion

Solution-annealed Inconel 718 plate is not just a raw material—it’s a strategic enabler of manufacturing efficiency and part integrity. By beginning fabrication in this soft, ductile condition, engineers reduce scrap rates, improve throughput, and ensure that final-aged components meet stringent aerospace and industrial performance criteria.

Whether you’re machining a single prototype or launching high-volume production, solution-annealed Inconel 718 delivers the optimal blend of workability and ultimate performance.

Contact us today for certified, ready-to-machine Inconel 718 plate in standard or custom sizes—with full documentation, global shipping, and technical support from metallurgy experts.

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