IN713LC Superalloy Equiaxed Crystal Casting Turbine Parts

Core Technology of IN713LC Equiaxed Crystal Casting

1. Wax Pattern Fabrication Complex part geometries are replicated using injection-molded wax patterns with ±0.05 mm tolerance, supporting turbine airfoils and segment profiles.

2. Shell Mold Construction Refractory ceramic slurries and stucco layers are applied in sequence, forming shells with 6–8 mm thickness for thermal stability.

3. Dewaxing and Shell Firing Patterns are removed in autoclaves at ~150°C; fired shells are sintered at 1000–1100°C for high mechanical strength and mold integrity.

4. Vacuum Induction Melting IN713LC is melted under vacuum (≤10⁻³ Pa) at ~1450°C, ensuring clean melt chemistry and minimal contamination.

5. Equiaxed Solidification Molten metal is poured into preheated ceramic shells and solidified under carefully controlled conditions to produce uniform equiaxed grain structures (0.5–2 mm).

6. Shell Knockout and Cleaning Shells are removed post-solidification using vibration and blasting, preserving the surface finish of intricate turbine part geometries.

7. Heat Treatment Process Solution and aging treatment refines the γ′ precipitate phase, enhancing mechanical and thermal properties.

8. Machining and Final Finishing Critical features such as bolt holes, sealing surfaces, and cooling passages are completed via CNC machining and EDM.

IN713LC Material Performance Profile

• Operating Temperature Limit: Up to 982°C (1800°F)

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: ≥1034 MPa at room temperature

• Yield Strength: ≥862 MPa

• Creep Rupture Strength: ≥200 MPa @ 760°C for 1000 hours

• Elongation: ≥5%

• Oxidation Resistance: Excellent in cyclic high-temperature gas environments

• Grain Size Control: ASTM 5–7 achievable through equiaxed casting

Case Study: IN713LC Turbine Part Production for Industrial Power Turbine

Project Background

Neway AeroTech was commissioned to produce equiaxed-cast IN713LC turbine blades, vanes, and shrouds for a heavy-duty industrial gas turbine rated at 65 MW. The customer required dimensionally stable parts with low defect rates and consistent mechanical properties under sustained 950°C operation.

Common Equiaxed Turbine Components

• First-Stage Blades and Vanes High-load rotating and static components subject to high thermal gradients and gas velocities.

• Nozzle Guide Segments Flow-controlling parts requiring precise dimensional stability and high oxidation resistance.

• Combustion Liner Rings Fixed arc segments exposed to radiative heat and thermal fatigue.

• Casing Inserts and Shrouds Components that seal or guide gas flows with tight tolerance mating surfaces.

Manufacturing Process of IN713LC Turbine Parts

1. Design and Wax Tooling Component geometry and gating systems are optimized through CFD simulation and wax pattern validation.

2. Precision Shell Mold Fabrication Multilayer ceramic shells are built with consistent thickness and surface integrity to support accurate casting.

3. Vacuum Casting Execution IN713LC is poured in vacuum with shell temperatures controlled to reduce thermal gradients and minimize solidification defects.

4. Heat Treatment and Aging Heat treatment is conducted to homogenize microstructure and activate γ′ precipitation strengthening.

5. CNC and EDM Final Processing Complex profiles and cooling holes are machined with CNC and EDM technologies to achieve final tolerances.

6. Quality Control and NDT All parts undergo X-ray inspection, CMM validation, and metallographic analysis to ensure full structural compliance.

Challenges in Equiaxed Turbine Part Casting

• Maintaining dimensional accuracy across asymmetric cooling features

• Preventing micro-segregation in thick-walled segments

• Ensuring uniform grain size in parts with varying cross-sections

• Avoiding hot tearing in high-stress zones of castings

Results and Verification

• ASTM grain size of 6 achieved in complex cast segments

• 100% compliance with X-ray and ultrasonic inspection standards

• Tensile strength consistently above 1034 MPa across production batches

• Final dimensional accuracy within ±0.03 mm verified via 5-axis CMM

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of equiaxed casting for turbine components?

2. Which turbine parts are best suited for IN713LC equiaxed casting?

3. How does Neway AeroTech control grain size and segregation in castings?

4. What post-processing is required for equiaxed turbine parts?

5. What certifications apply to IN713LC casting processes for critical industries?