Characteristics and printability of K417G nickel-base alloy powder prepared by VIGA method

Nickel-based K417G superalloy powder is the main material used in laser additive manufacturing (LAM) of aerospace engine turbine blades. In this study, K417G powder was prepared by the vacuum induction melting gas atomisation method (VIGA). Powder characteristics and microstructure were measured, and the properties of fabricated samples were studied. The results show that the powder mean particle size D50 was 74 μm, flowability was 16.6 s/50 g, apparent density was 4.78 g cm–3, and the oxygen content of the powder was 0.015%. Powder and LAM sample microstructure consisted of γ, γ′, and carbide. The average microhardness was 410 HV, tensile strength was 1080 MPa, yield strength was 828 MPa and elongation was 13.52%. K417G superalloy powder prepared by VIGA method has potential for application in laser additive manufacturing.