High-Temperature Alloy Turbine Wheel HIP Factory
Densification and Integrity Enhancement for Turbine Wheel Castings
Turbine wheels in high-temperature gas turbines operate under severe centrifugal loads, thermal gradients, and cyclic fatigue. Internal casting defects like shrinkage porosity, microvoids, and segregation can significantly reduce their durability and reliability. Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is a proven solution to eliminate internal flaws and restore structural continuity in turbine wheels made from high-performance superalloys.
Neway AeroTech is a dedicated HIP factory for high-temperature superalloy turbine wheels manufactured through vacuum investment casting. We offer HIP services up to 1300°C and 200 MPa, fully qualified to treat wheels made from Inconel, Rene alloys, and Hastelloy.
Why HIP is Critical for Turbine Wheel Performance
Turbine wheels must withstand rotational stress and thermal shock while maintaining dimensional accuracy and fracture resistance. HIP processing:
Eliminates shrinkage porosity and microcracks from solidification
Increases low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue life
Improves microstructural consistency for reliable post-HIP CNC machining
**Prepares wheels for precision TIG welding and blade integration
HIP is essential for achieving airworthiness and turbine OEM specification conformance.
HIP-Compatible Alloys for Turbine Wheel Castings
Alloy | Max Temp (°C) | HIP Temp (°C) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
950 | 1210 | Industrial and aviation turbine wheels | |
1040 | 1230 | Turbine discs and impellers | |
1175 | 1170 | High-temperature gas turbine wheels |
All alloys are HIPed per AMS 2774 or customer-specific turbine component requirements.
Case Study: HIP of Equiaxed Inconel 713C Turbine Wheel
Project Background
An energy customer submitted 96 equiaxed Inconel 713C turbine wheels (Ø280 mm × 60 mm thick) for HIP processing. Internal porosity exceeded 1.2%. After HIP at 1210°C, 100 MPa for 4 hours, porosity was reduced to <0.05%, and fatigue life increased by 2.7×.
Turbine Wheel Models and Industries
Wheel Model | Description | Alloy | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
TW-280 | Equiaxed turbine wheel with radial flow passages | Inconel 713C | |
RWD-450 | Rotor wheel disc with hub and bore | Rene 77 | |
HTW-310 | Hastelloy wheel with integrated shaft boss | Hastelloy X |
All models were HIP-treated, heat-treated, and CMM-verified before final blade installation.
HIP Process Benefits for Turbine Wheels
Eliminates >99% porosity, ensuring structural soundness under 15,000–30,000 rpm operation
Reduces microsegregation, allowing improved dimensional tolerance in post-HIP machining
Extends fatigue life 2–3×, especially in edge-loaded blade-to-wheel contact areas
Stabilizes core integrity, avoiding crack initiation under pressure and temperature cycles
Enables better weldability for blade-to-hub joining after HIP consolidation
HIP Process Control Parameters
Temperature range: 1170–1300°C, adjusted per alloy and casting thickness
Pressure: 100–200 MPa, argon or inert gas environment per AMS 2774
Hold time: 3–6 hours, depending on part size and porosity severity
Cooling rate: ≤10°C/min, to prevent overaging or residual stress
Results and Verification
HIP Execution
Turbine wheels were HIPed at 1210°C, 100 MPa for 4 hours. Final cooling was controlled to prevent phase imbalance and cracking.
Post-HIP Processing
Parts underwent heat treatment at 980–1050°C and were then CNC machined to final profile. Optional TBC coating was applied for hot section durability.
Inspection
X-ray testing confirmed internal densification. CMM verified bore and flange dimensions. SEM analysis showed grain structure continuity and pore closure.
FAQs
What turbine wheel alloys are suitable for HIP treatment?
How does HIP improve turbine wheel performance in high-speed applications?
Can HIP be applied after welding or machining?
What standards govern HIP treatment of turbine components?
How are HIPed turbine wheels inspected before delivery?
