Inconel 718 in 3D Metal Printing

High-temperature resistant, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant. Inconel 718 is a nickel-based alloy for components that must withstand high temperatures and mechanical stresses over the long term.

Strength is maintained at high temperatures
Very good resistance to corrosion and oxidation
Suitable for demanding high-temperature applications

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Product Visualization, AI-Generated

Is Inconel 718 the right material for your component?

Inconel is particularly suitable when …

sustained high operating temperatures occur
high strength is required even at elevated temperatures
Corrosion or oxidation resistance is required under demanding conditions
complex, heavily loaded components are planned
the technical benefits justify the high material and manufacturing costs

Consider alternatives if …

the lowest component price is the deciding factor
The focus is on component weight
moderate temperatures are sufficient
Thermal or electrical conductivity is the primary requirement
high hardness is required for tooling or mold making

Suitable Alternatives

Titanium, when weight is more important than maximum temperature resistance. Learn more about titanium
Stainless steel 1.4404, when moderate temperatures are sufficient. About stainless steel
Tool steel 1.2709, when hardness is more important than temperature resistance. About tool steel

Inconel: A Comparison

Decision criterion	Inconel 718	Titanium TiAl6V4	Stainless steel 1.4404	Tool steel 1.2709
Weight	high	very low	high	high
Strength	very high	very high	high	very high (hardened)
Corrosion Resistance	very good	very high	very good	low without coating
Temperature Resistance	very high	medium	medium	medium
Thermal Conductivity	low	rather low	low	low
Cost item	high	high	medium	medium–high
A typical decision	High-Temperature Application	Lightweight Construction Plus Strength	robust standard application	Tool and Mold Making for High-Hardness Applications

In short: Inconel 718 is the right choice when components need to withstand high temperatures over the long term. For lightweight construction without temperature requirements, titanium or aluminum are usually the more cost-effective solution.

Inconel 718 at a Glance

High-temperature-resistant nickel-based alloy with excellent strength and corrosion resistance—for the most demanding operating conditions.

Typical components made of Inconel:

Turbine and Engine Components
Components for High-Temperature Process Technology
Combustion Chamber and Exhaust System Components
Heavy-duty functional components in power generation and turbine technology
Components subject to corrosion in a chemical environment
Custom High-Temperature Small-Batch Production

Typical applications:

Aerospace,
Energy and Turbine Technology,
Chemical and Process Engineering,
Motorsports,
Mechanical Engineering.

Density	~ 8.19 g/cm³
Tensile strength_Rm (heat-treated)	~ 1250 MPa
Yield strength_Rp0.2 (heat-treated)	~ 1080 MPa
Elongation at break A	~ 16 %
Modulus of Elasticity E	~ 200,000 MPa
Hardness	~ 40 HRC
Max. Operating Temperature	~ 650 °C
Installation space (Inconel)	280 × 280 × 360 mm
Tolerances (Approximate Values)	±0.2 mm or ±0.2% (whichever is greater)
Surface	blasted / shot-blasted; CNC precision machining available upon request

The values listed are approximate. Actual properties may depend on factors such as component orientation, wall thickness, process parameters, and heat treatment, among others.

Designing Inconel Components for 3D Printing

In 3D printing with Inconel 718, the design affects not only manufacturability but also part quality, costs, and the amount of post-processing required. Therefore, part orientation, support structures, powder removal, and functional surfaces that will require machining later on should be taken into account as early as the development stage.

Cavities and internal channels

Internal channels and complex cavities are among the particular strengths of additive manufacturing. However, it must be possible to completely remove any unmelted metal powder after the manufacturing process.

Enclosed cavities should therefore be avoided. For internal structures, sufficiently large and easily accessible powder inlets must be provided. The shape, length, and configuration of the channels must allow for reliable emptying.

Wall thicknesses and delicate areas

Wall thicknesses must be tailored to the size, geometry, and load-bearing requirements of the component. Structures that are too thin or have a large surface area may deform during manufacturing. Solid sections, on the other hand, increase material usage, construction time, and thermal stress.

Uniform material distribution and smooth transitions are generally preferable to sharp changes in cross-sectional dimensions. Fillet radii can help reduce local stress peaks.

Overhangs and Support Structures

Overhanging areas require additional support structures, depending on their angle, length, and orientation. These structures stabilize the component during the construction process and dissipate process heat.

Since support structures must be removed after manufacturing, they should be placed on easily accessible and non-critical surfaces whenever possible. The orientation of the component therefore has a direct impact on:

the number of support structures required
the surface quality
the amount of post-processing required
the construction time and, consequently, the production costs
the location of mechanically and visually relevant surfaces

Holes, Threads, and Fits

Holes and threads can be incorporated into the design. If tight dimensional tolerances, defined fits, or load-bearing threads are required, mechanical finishing is often recommended.

To ensure this, the relevant areas should be designed with an appropriate machining allowance. This applies in particular to:

Fit holes
Thread
Bearing and Seal Seats
Planned Areas
Connection surfaces
precise contours

A technical drawing that includes tolerances and functional surfaces makes production planning easier.

Distortion and Thermal Stresses

Layer-by-layer melting and solidification result in significant local temperature differences. These can cause residual stresses and warping. Large, flat surfaces, abrupt changes in cross-section, and uneven material distribution are particularly critical.

These effects can be reduced through proper component orientation, design adjustments, and subsequent heat treatment.

Design data for testing

For the manufacturing review, you can submit your 3D model in STEP, STL, or 3MF format. For fits, threads, sealing surfaces, and geometric and dimensional tolerances, a technical drawing in PDF format should also be provided.

Are you still in the design phase? We review component orientation, critical geometries, post-processing, and potential cost optimizations before manufacturing begins.

Manufacturing, Build Volume, and Tolerances: Important Information for Optimal 3D Printing

Rapidobject uses Inconel 718 in powder-bed-based metal 3D printing. This material is particularly well-suited for high-stress components that must withstand high temperatures over the long term.

Materials and Manufacturing Processes:

Manufacturing process: powder-bed-based metal 3D printing
Typical finish: sandblasted
Further processing: stress-relief annealing/aging, HIP, Trowal finishing, and CNC machining according to technical specifications

Post-processing Options

3D Printing

Heat Treatment/HIP	Solution annealing and aging; HIP, if necessary, to reduce porosity
Blasting/Trowalizing	even, matte finish
CNC Finish	Flat surfaces, holes, threads, sealing grooves
Labeling	Serial number/logo available
Documentation	Test report/measurement report available upon request

CNC Re-machining

Mating surfaces,
Drilling,
Thread,
Seal Grooves

– Everything from a single source. Just upload your drawing.

How do I get a quote?

Upload 3D data to

Upload your 3D data in STL or OBJ format. Data security is our top priority, which is why we are certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013.

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You will receive a detailed price list for all materials and surface finishes.

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Components

Order your custom 3D-printed parts using the payment method of your choice.

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Tip: Upload 3D data and get a price quote right away

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Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Metal Printing with Inconel

When is Inconel 718 a better choice than titanium?

Inconel 718 is the right choice when components must withstand high temperatures over the long term—an area where titanium reaches its limits.

If, on the other hand, weight is the primary consideration and temperatures remain moderate, titanium (TiAl6V4) is the lighter and usually more economical choice.

How does Inconel differ from stainless steel?

Inconel 718 retains its strength even at significantly higher temperatures than 1.4404 stainless steel and offers even greater corrosion resistance under demanding conditions.

For standard applications without extreme temperature exposure, stainless steel is usually the more economical solution due to its lower cost.

For which components is Inconel suitable for 3D printing?

Inconel 718 is particularly well-suited for components subjected to high loads in high-temperature environments. Typical examples include:

Turbine and Engine Components
Combustion Chamber and Exhaust System Components
Components for High-Temperature Process Technology
Components subject to corrosion in a chemical environment

For applications that do not involve high temperatures or corrosion, another material is usually more cost-effective.

Up to what temperature can Inconel 718 be used?

For Inconel 718, a maximum continuous operating temperature of approximately 650 °C is specified. This value should be considered a general guideline.

The permissible operating temperature of a specific component also depends on the load, duration of use, environment, and safety requirements.

What is the surface finish of Inconel components immediately after 3D printing?

After additive manufacturing, Inconel components have a rough surface due to the manufacturing process. At Rapidobject, the components are sandblasted as standard, resulting in a uniform, matte finish.

Depending on the requirements, additional processes such as Trowalizing, HIP, or CNC finishing may be performed.

Can threads and fits be printed directly?

Threads, holes, and fits can be incorporated into the 3D model. However, if specific dimensions or tight tolerances are required, subsequent machining is often recommended.

The relevant areas should therefore be designed with a machining allowance and marked on a technical drawing. For example, threads can be cut, holes can be reamed, or mating surfaces can be milled.

What data formats are accepted?

STL, STEP, and 3MF. For CNC machining, please also provide a technical drawing as a PDF.

How soon will I receive my quote?

Usually immediately after upload—complex assemblies are analyzed automatically.

What types of post-processing are possible?

Solution annealing/aging, HIP, blasting, tumbling, milling/planing, drilling, threading, surface marking.

Are there any volume discounts?

Yes. For orders of more than 2 units, we offer automated volume-based pricing; for recurring orders, framework agreements are available.

Do you have any questions?

We’d be happy to provide you with personalized advice on your 3D printing project—from the initial idea to the finished part.

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For complex or custom projects, please use the inquiry form.

Is Inconel not the best fit for your needs?

Compare Inconel with Other Metals

Inconel 718 combines high-temperature resistance with high strength and corrosion resistance. However, for components that are not subject to extreme temperature requirements, this effort is not always necessary.

Therefore, determine which property is most important for your application.

Do you need maximum strength with minimal weight?

Titanium

Titanium TiAl6V4 combines very high strength with relatively low weight and excellent corrosion resistance. It is particularly well-suited for demanding, weight-optimized functional components.