Continuum Powders and INDO-MIM Inc. have completed qualification of U.S.-sourced Inconel 718 powder for binder jet additive manufacturing, achieving critical performance benchmarks for density, hardness, and chemical consistency using the HP Metal Jet S100 system. This milestone validates Inconel 718 for binder jetting applications in high-performance industries, demonstrating the material’s readiness for serial production of nickel-based superalloy components that demand exceptional strength and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures.
INDO-MIM, the Indian metal injection moulding and additive manufacturing service provider, successfully processed Continuum’s OptiPowder Ni718 to produce sintered components exceeding 98% of theoretical density. The parts demonstrated consistent hardness values between 74 and 79 HR15N whilst maintaining carbon content between 0.013% and 0.014% across multiple sintering runs, confirming the powder’s suitability for demanding aerospace, defence, and energy applications.
Results Validate Inconel 718 for Binder Jetting Applications
The qualification process confirmed that U.S.-made Inconel 718 powder meets stringent requirements for binder jet production on the HP Metal Jet S100 platform. Metallographic evaluations verified the powder exhibited the gamma-phase microstructure expected of Ni718, which proves critical for component performance in extreme operating environments. These results establish a foundation for scalable manufacturing of complex superalloy components using binder jetting technology.
“Qualifying Ni718 on the HP Metal Jet S100 is a major step forward for binder jet adoption in high-performance industries. This milestone demonstrates INDO-MIM’s commitment to advancing binder jetting into production and enabling our customers to benefit from scalable, cost-effective solutions for superalloy components.”
– Jag Holla, Senior Vice President of Marketing at INDO-MIM Additive Technologies
The qualification addresses a critical market need for high-volume production capabilities for nickel-based superalloys. Traditional manufacturing methods and laser powder bed fusion approaches face limitations in production volumes and cost structures that restrict broader adoption across industries requiring mission-critical components.
Partnership Advances U.S.-Based Supply Chain
The collaboration between Continuum Powders and INDO-MIM combines U.S.-based powder production with proven additive manufacturing expertise to deliver environmentally sustainable solutions. Continuum’s OptiPowder line emphasises high repeatability and performance characteristics designed specifically for demanding industrial applications whilst supporting domestic sourcing initiatives.
Dr Mukund Nagaraj, Director of Additive Manufacturing at INDO-MIM, highlighted the strategic value of this partnership: “By combining our production expertise with Continuum’s U.S.-based, environmentally friendly powders, we’re demonstrating that binder jet can deliver complex, high-value components with the consistency and performance our customers demand.”
“Achieving this milestone with INDO-MIM on an HP Metal Jet S100 system represents a breakthrough for binder jet adoption.”
– Rob Higby, CEO of Continuum Powders
Higby added, “Our OptiPowder line is designed for high repeatability and performance, and this qualification demonstrates its readiness for the most demanding applications while also supporting U.S.-based sourcing and environmental sustainability.”
Market Implications for High-Performance Manufacturing
Inconel 718 serves as a cornerstone material for mission-critical components across aerospace, defence, and energy sectors due to exceptional mechanical strength and corrosion resistance properties. The ability to process Inconel 718 for binder jetting offers manufacturers a viable path to higher production volumes and reduced costs compared to traditional manufacturing or laser powder bed fusion methods.
This qualification opens opportunities for companies seeking to scale production of complex superalloy components without compromising material performance or geometric capabilities. The combination of density levels exceeding 98%, consistent hardness values, and controlled carbon content across multiple production runs demonstrates manufacturing repeatability essential for industrial adoption.
The successful qualification supports broader industry trends towards distributed manufacturing and supply chain resilience by enabling domestic production capabilities for critical materials using environmentally conscious processes.
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