CMSX Alloy Single Crystal Castings Heat Treatment Workshop

Core Heat Treatment Services for CMSX Superalloys

Single crystal heat treatment requires low ramp rates, inert atmospheres, and microstructure-driven aging profiles.

• Stabilization at 1140–1175°C for stress relief and solidification stabilization

• Two-stage aging at 870°C and 760°C to optimize γ′ morphology and mechanical strength

• Vacuum or high-purity argon furnaces to prevent oxidation and preserve surface finish

• Slow ramp rates (≤2°C/min) to avoid stray grain nucleation or recrystallization

Each CMSX treatment is traceable with full temperature and time profile documentation.

Common CMSX Grades and Blade Applications

CMSX alloys are engineered for long-term exposure to thermal and mechanical stress in high-pressure turbine sections.

Case Study: Heat Treatment of CMSX-10 Airfoil Set

Project Background

An aerospace OEM required stabilization and aging for CMSX-10 turbine blades with 3D cooling channels. The blades underwent stabilization at 1165°C for 4.5 hours followed by aging at 870°C and 760°C. SEM evaluation confirmed complete γ′ precipitation, no recrystallization, and carbide distribution consistent with OEM microstructure specs.

Treated CMSX Components and Industries

All components undergo metallographic validation, hardness testing, and profile inspection post-processing.

CMSX Heat Treatment Challenges

1. Recrystallization risk if ramp rates or quench rates are not controlled

2. Incomplete γ′ formation reduces creep resistance and strength

3. Surface oxidation in uncontrolled furnace environments degrades component life

4. Distortion of platform and trailing edge due to temperature gradients

5. Stray grain formation compromises single crystal integrity and orientation

Technical Solutions from the CMSX Heat Treatment Workshop

• Multi-zone furnace control ±2°C for thermal uniformity across blade batch

• Vacuum annealing with <10⁻⁵ torr for oxidation-free results

• Timed dual aging for optimized γ′ size (300–500 nm target)

• Orientation-protected fixtures to avoid platform movement during heat cycles

• CMM and SEM for final inspection

Results and Validation

Heat Treatment Execution

Furnaces maintained uniformity within ±2°C. All blades were tracked individually with batch ID, thermal curves, and real-time logging. Total thermal cycle time: 23 hours.

Metallurgical Outcomes

Final microstructure showed homogeneous γ′ distribution across platform and airfoil. No recrystallization detected. Hardness achieved 400–430 HV with minimal variance across batches.

Final Inspection

CMM inspection confirmed no deformation beyond ±0.02 mm. X-ray inspection showed structural integrity. SEM analysis validated phase morphology and grain boundaries.

FAQs

1. What is the aging cycle used for CMSX-4 turbine blades?

2. Can CMSX-10 blades be processed without recrystallization risk?

3. How is γ′ precipitate size controlled during aging?

4. What inspection methods confirm SX integrity post heat treatment?

5. Do you offer HIP and heat treatment integration for CMSX castings?