Telford-based Protolabs Ltd, which specialises in the rapid manufacture of low-volume parts for prototyping and short-run production, has announced the addition of Inconel 718 to its growing list of 3-D printing materials.

Due to its high strength and corrosion-resistance, along with its ability to be used at extreme temperatures, Inconel 718 is a proven super-alloy and is used in the development of turbojet engines for aircraft.

Daniel Cohn, general manager of 3-D printing services at Protolabs (www.protolabs.co.uk), said: “Other manufacturing methods sacrifice some of the material properties of Inconel, so I am delighted that Protolabs can now offer this material through 3-D printing.

"Combining its exceptional properties with our’ expertise in direct metal laser sintering means that we can rapidly produce complex geometries for parts that will be exposed to the harsh environments typical of the aerospace sector.”

As a nickel-based heat-resistant alloy, Inconel 718 can be used at temperatures between -252°C and 704°C.

Its high-temperature strength is derived from its ability to create a thick passivating oxide layer at high temperatures, protecting the material from further attack. It also has good tensile, fatigue, creep and rupture strength.

Mr Cohn concluded: “Combining the exceptional properties of the material with Protolabs’ expertise in DMLS means we are able to rapidly produce complex geometries for parts which are exposed to the harsh environments typical of the aerospace sector.”