EOS Expands Material Portfolio with Two New Ni-Based Superalloys for Additive Manufacturing

Introduction of Nickel-Based Superalloy Powders
EOS, a leader in industrial Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, has announced the addition of two new nickel-based superalloy powders to its portfolio: EOS NickelAlloy IN738 and EOS NickelAlloy K500. These powders are designed for use with EOS’s Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) machines, including the EOS M 290 and EOS M 400-4 models. The new materials will be available for the EOS M 290 family starting in December 2024, and for the EOS M 400-4 in the first half of 2025.

Advanced Material Solutions for Extreme Conditions
Hanna Pirkkalainen, Head of Product Management at EOS Metal Materials & Processes, highlighted that these new superalloys would expand EOS’s capabilities in addressing the needs of industries requiring high-performance, additively manufactured parts under challenging conditions. She noted that EOS IN738 offers a crack-free solution for high-stress, high-temperature applications, while EOS K500 provides a unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for extreme environments. These new additions bolster EOS’s offering and further establish the company’s position as a leader in advanced metal materials for industrial 3D printing.

EOS IN738: High Strength for Turbomachinery Applications
EOS IN738 is engineered for high-temperature, high-stress applications, offering excellent strength and heat resistance. With a tensile strength of 1,265 MPa and 4.5% elongation, this material excels in demanding environments such as turbine blades and energy components. Compared to traditionally manufactured superalloys, EOS IN738 provides superior performance under elevated temperatures and is more resistant to deterioration in high-stress applications.

One notable early use case involved Precision ADM, a Canadian company, which successfully used EOS IN738 to produce turbine blades for an energy customer facing supply chain challenges. The turbine blades, made with EOS IN738, achieved 110% of standard running RPM and withstood temperatures of up to 1,700ºF—an essential feat for turbomachinery applications. According to Derek VanDenDreissche, Director of Sales at Precision ADM, EOS IN738 played a crucial role in the success of the project, showcasing its ability to withstand high heat and stress levels that are required in turbine engine applications.

EOS K500: A Material for Space and Maritime Applications
The EOS K500 material was developed specifically to meet the needs of a major space launch organization. Designed to offer a balanced combination of mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, EOS K500 is well suited for space applications, including thrusters and nozzles, as well as for use in chemical processing industries (pumps and valves) and maritime applications. Juha Kotila, Business Development Manager for EOS Metal Materials, explained that EOS K500 bridges the gap between high-strength nickel superalloys and copper alloys with excellent thermal conductivity. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where both strength and thermal conductivity are required in extreme conditions, such as space and marine environments.

Conclusion: Expanding EOS’s Reach in Additive Manufacturing
With the introduction of EOS IN738 and EOS K500, EOS continues to expand its portfolio of materials designed for the most demanding industrial applications. These new alloys are set to enhance the capabilities of additive manufacturing for industries such as aerospace, energy, and maritime, where performance, reliability, and durability are critical. The new superalloys also underscore EOS’s commitment to advancing the AM industry by offering innovative materials that push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing technology.