IN713LC Superalloy Equiaxed Crystal Casting Gas Turbine Parts
Introduction
Gas turbine components must withstand continuous exposure to high-temperature combustion gases, mechanical stress, and oxidation. To meet these challenges, IN713LC—an age-hardened nickel-based superalloy—is widely used for gas turbine parts such as blades, vanes, shrouds, and nozzle segments. Manufactured using equiaxed crystal casting, IN713LC parts offer uniform mechanical properties, stable microstructure, and reliable long-term performance.
Neway AeroTech offers vacuum investment casting of IN713LC gas turbine parts using equiaxed solidification under AS9100-certified processes. Our castings support aerospace, power generation, marine, and defense turbine applications.
Core Technology of IN713LC Equiaxed Crystal Casting
Wax Pattern Production High-precision wax patterns replicate complex geometries within ±0.05 mm tolerance, suitable for turbine blades, vanes, and segments.
Ceramic Shell Construction Multi-layer ceramic shells are formed (6–8 mm thick) using refractory slurry and stucco, with excellent thermal shock resistance.
Dewaxing and Shell Firing Shells are dewaxed via autoclave at 150°C and sintered at ~1050°C to provide strength during molten metal pouring.
Vacuum Induction Melting IN713LC alloy is melted in vacuum at ~1450°C (≤10⁻³ Pa), minimizing oxides and ensuring uniform chemical composition.
Equiaxed Solidification Molten alloy fills preheated molds and cools under controlled conditions, producing equiaxed grains with sizes between 0.5–2 mm.
Shell Knockout and Surface Cleaning Shell removal is performed using vibration and high-pressure blasting without damaging precision-cast features.
Heat Treatment Solution treatment and aging are applied to refine γ′ phase distribution and enhance creep resistance.
Final Machining and Inspection CNC machining and EDM achieve dimensional precision; CMM and X-ray ensure conformance.
IN713LC Material Properties for Gas Turbine Parts
Operating Temperature: Up to 982°C (1800°F)
Tensile Strength: ≥1034 MPa
Yield Strength: ≥862 MPa
Creep Rupture Strength: ≥200 MPa at 760°C for 1000 hours
Oxidation Resistance: Excellent under cyclic hot gas environments
Grain Size (ASTM): 5–7, uniform across thick and thin sections
Case Study: IN713LC Turbine Components for Power Generation
Project Background
A global power turbine OEM commissioned Neway AeroTech to manufacture IN713LC equiaxed-cast blades, vanes, and shrouds for a 70 MW gas turbine operating continuously at 950°C. The customer required minimal distortion, high creep resistance, and dimensional stability across all hot-section parts.
Typical Gas Turbine Parts
Turbine Blades are subjected to high centrifugal and thermal stresses, requiring a fine equiaxed microstructure and oxidation resistance.
Nozzle Guide Vanes Direct combustion gases through turbine stages; demand tight geometric control and thermal fatigue resistance.
First-Stage Shrouds Seal rotating blade tips and endure extreme thermal cycles and gas erosion.
Combustion Ring Segments: Static arc components exposed to radiant heat and fluctuating temperatures.
Manufacturing Process for Equiaxed IN713LC Turbine Parts
Gating and Mold Design Casting systems are optimized through CFD analysis to promote directional flow and eliminate hot spots.
Vacuum Investment Casting Execution IN713LC alloy is poured into molds under vacuum, solidified under equiaxed conditions, and cooled to minimize residual stress.
Heat Treatment Heat treatment cycles stabilize microstructure and increase creep life through uniform γ′ phase precipitation.
Post-Casting Finishing Machining of attachment faces, holes, and cooling features is completed via CNC and EDM to meet tight tolerances.
Inspection and NDT All parts are verified using X-ray inspection, ultrasonic testing, and CMM measurement for dimensional accuracy and structural soundness.
Core Challenges in Equiaxed-Cast Turbine Parts
Avoiding micro-segregation in thick-wall parts
Achieving consistent grain size in variable section geometries
Maintaining dimensional stability after heat treatment
Preventing oxidation and cracking during thermal cycling
Results and Verification
Grain size ASTM 6–7 achieved across all blade and vane sections
Tensile properties exceeded 1034 MPa with consistent batch-to-batch quality
100% defect-free status confirmed by X-ray and ultrasonic inspection
Dimensional deviation within ±0.03 mm achieved post-machining
FAQs
What advantages does equiaxed casting offer for gas turbine components?
How does IN713LC compare to other turbine-grade superalloys?
What inspection methods are used to verify casting integrity?
Can IN713LC equiaxed parts be used in marine turbines?
What tolerances are achievable with CNC and EDM finishing?
