Renishaw qualifies Continuum’s OptiPowder Ni718 superalloy
Continuum Powders, based in Houston, Texas, USA, has announced that its OptiPowder Ni718 is now qualified for use on metal Additive Manufacturing machines from Renishaw, headquartered in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, UK.
Ni718 is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum-niobium superalloy known for its machinability before heat treatment and strength after heat treatment. The alloy offers sustained high-temperature strength, stress rupture strength, cryogenic stability, and oxidation resistance, making it well-suited to advanced manufacturing in demanding environments.
Through extensive evaluation, Renishaw concluded that components made from Continuum’s Ni718 achieved relative densities above 99.75%, with optical densities exceeding 99.9%. It was also noted that the material offered high mechanical strength, with UTS up to 1340 MPa, yield strength averaging 988 MPa, and elongation break of 22.3%.
Beyond the physical properties, Renishaw also reported that using the Ni718 powder enabled a 99.7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as Continuum produces the alloy using 100% recycled materials. It was also said to have reduced material costs by 15% compared to traditional powders.
