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Superalloy
Ni

Nickel-Base Alloy

Heat-resistant and high-strength up into high temperature ranges. Low cutting parameters, high tool wear.

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Suitable machines
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Brief definition

Nickel-Base Alloy

High-temperature materials like Inconel — difficult to machine, highly stressed.
Inconel 718
Inconel 625
approved
Properties
Density

8.2 g/cm³

Inconel 718, typical value

Tensile strength

up to 1,375 MPa

Inconel 718, precipitation-hardened condition

Thermal conductivity

very low

approx. 11 W/(m·K), severe heat accumulation at the cutting edge

High-temperature strength

very high

resistant up to over 700 °C

Machinability

very difficult

low cutting parameters, high tool wear

Machining

Challenge and solution

  • Challenge

    Extreme tool wear

    The combination of high-temperature strength and toughness subjects cutting edges to significantly higher stress than any other material in our portfolio.

    Our Solution

    Strict tool-life monitoring

    Tools are replaced according to documented tool life before wear compromises component quality.

  • Challenge

    Heat accumulation due to very low thermal conductivity

    Process heat remains almost entirely in the cutting edge and component rather than dissipating via the chip.

    Our Solution

    High-pressure internal cooling

    Coolant is delivered directly to the cutting edge under high pressure to dissipate heat in a controlled manner.

  • Challenge

    Work hardening when feed rate is too low

    As with titanium, the surface work-hardens when the infeed is too cautious, rapidly wearing down the subsequent cutting edge.

    Our Solution

    Defined feed per tooth

    A stable, sufficiently high feed rate prevents work hardening of the subsurface layer.

  • Challenge

    Tendency to vibrate under high cutting forces

    High cutting forces can lead to chatter and dimensional deviations if clamping is suboptimal.

    Our Solution

    Rigid clamping concept

    Clamping setups and tool overhangs are engineered for maximum rigidity.
Machining

How we machine this material

We machine nickel-base alloys with very low cutting speeds, machine configurations designed for high cutting forces, and continuous high-pressure internal cooling. Tools are systematically replaced according to documented tool life, as wear progresses particularly heavily and rapidly with this material.

  • Very low cutting speed
  • High-pressure internal cooling
  • Rigid, low-vibration machine configuration
  • Strict tool-life monitoring

Manufacturing

Suitable processes

CNC Milling

CNC milling at FORMA Maschinenbau: Milled parts up to 24 m length, 5-axis simultaneous machining, and 5-axis milling for single parts and series from the Münsterland region.
  • Up to 24,000 mm component length
  • 5-axis simultaneous
  • More About This Service

Machine allocation

Approved Nickel-Base Alloy for

DMG MORI

DMG DMU340P

Travel X
3,400 mm
Axes
Simultaneous 5-axis
Size Class
2–10 m
Technical Data →
DMG MORI

DMG MORI CTX Gamma 2000 TC + Robo2go Max

Turning length
2,000 mm
Axes
Y-axis + milling spindle
Size Class
Up to 2 m
Technical Data →

Applications

Where Nickel-Base Alloy it is used

For us, quality is not just a word, but measurable reality. Through state-of-the-art testing equipment such as laser interferometers and 3D measurement technology, we ensure that every component precisely meets specifications.

Aerospace

Aerospace

Structural components, housings

Frequently asked questions

FAQ Nickel-Base Alloy

Which nickel-base alloys do you machine?

Our primary focus is on Inconel 718 and Inconel 625; we evaluate other superalloys, such as Hastelloy, on an individual basis.

Why is machining nickel-base alloys so demanding?

Very low thermal conductivity, high high-temperature strength, and pronounced work hardening necessitate low cutting parameters and cause high tool wear.

What types of components is this material suitable for?

Primarily for highly stressed components in aerospace as well as energy and plant engineering, such as engine and turbine applications.

Do you provide material test certificates for nickel-base alloys?

Yes, upon request we provide material test certificates and inspection reports with batch traceability.

Inquiry

Request a component made of this material

Please specify the alloy, wall thicknesses, and tolerances. We provide realistic estimates for machining time and tooling costs.
Inquire about material
+49 2862 58787-0

Your contact person

Norbert Groß-Onnebrink

Executive Management
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