SCSW has completed further batch trials of EIGA-produced Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) powder as it develops the process for larger-scale production. The work focuses on powder cleanliness, repeatable particle size distribution and more efficient use of feedstock.

Particle size control and material utilization

Trials with Alloy 718 achieved a D50 of ≤28 μm and a D90 of ≤55 μm in the as-atomized powder. Yield within the 0–60 μm range remained above 93% across multiple batches, with a peak of 97%.

A greater proportion of powder in this range provides more material for subsequent classification to customer specifications.

Ongoing batch evaluation focuses on the repeatability of these results and their contribution to production economics.

Quality control from feedstock to atomization

The process starts with pre-alloyed superalloy rods produced in large-capacity industrial vacuum furnaces. Alloy composition is established before atomization, providing a consistent feedstock basis for powder production.

EIGA melts the rod directly by induction heating. The melt falls freely into an inert gas atomization zone without passing through a ceramic crucible. Crucible-free melting reduces a potential source of contamination from contact with refractory materials.

With argon recirculation and optimized process parameters, powder oxygen content was held at or below 120 ppm in batch trials, with a minimum of 95 ppm.

Against the VIGA powder data used for reference, apparent density was approximately 0.2–0.3 g/cm³ higher and tap density approximately 0.3–0.4 g/cm³ higher, while flowability was comparable. These comparisons are specific to the reference data and should be assessed alongside alloy grade, particle size range and test conditions.

Building the basis for scale

SCSW has achieved single-line rod throughput of 1.6 tonnes per day. This figure refers to rods processed by atomization, rather than finished powder output.

EIGA throughput at this stage remains below that of some larger VIGA systems. Higher yield within the target particle size range offers a complementary route to improving material utilization and production economics.

For supply at scale, throughput must be assessed together with feedstock consistency, repeatable powder properties and yield. SCSW is using the batch results to guide further development across these areas.

The next stage of process development

SCSW is preparing to evaluate atomization with larger-diameter alloy rods. The next stage will focus on increasing the feedstock charge, improving equipment utilization and coordinating melting and atomization parameters.

The target is to raise daily rod throughput to 2.4 tonnes per line, subject to equipment and process validation. Continued work on powder cleanliness, particle size distribution and batch consistency will support this development toward larger-scale superalloy powder production.

Meet us at Formnext 2026

17–20 November 2026

Messe Frankfurt, Germany

Hall 11.0 · F30

See you at F30.

SCSW has completed further batch trials of EIGA-produced Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) powder as it develops the process for larger-scale production. The work focuses on powder cleanliness, repeatable particle size distribution and more efficient use of feedstock.

Particle size control and material utilization

Trials with Alloy 718 achieved a D50 of ≤28 μm and a D90 of ≤55 μm in the as-atomized powder. Yield within the 0–60 μm range remained above 93% across multiple batches, with a peak of 97%.

A greater proportion of powder in this range provides more material for subsequent classification to customer specifications.

Ongoing batch evaluation focuses on the repeatability of these results and their contribution to production economics.

Quality control from feedstock to atomization

The process starts with pre-alloyed superalloy rods produced in large-capacity industrial vacuum furnaces. Alloy composition is established before atomization, providing a consistent feedstock basis for powder production.

EIGA melts the rod directly by induction heating. The melt falls freely into an inert gas atomization zone without passing through a ceramic crucible. Crucible-free melting reduces a potential source of contamination from contact with refractory materials.

With argon recirculation and optimized process parameters, powder oxygen content was held at or below 120 ppm in batch trials, with a minimum of 95 ppm.

Against the VIGA powder data used for reference, apparent density was approximately 0.2–0.3 g/cm³ higher and tap density approximately 0.3–0.4 g/cm³ higher, while flowability was comparable. These comparisons are specific to the reference data and should be assessed alongside alloy grade, particle size range and test conditions.

Building the basis for scale

SCSW has achieved single-line rod throughput of 1.6 tonnes per day. This figure refers to rods processed by atomization, rather than finished powder output.

EIGA throughput at this stage remains below that of some larger VIGA systems. Higher yield within the target particle size range offers a complementary route to improving material utilization and production economics.

For supply at scale, throughput must be assessed together with feedstock consistency, repeatable powder properties and yield. SCSW is using the batch results to guide further development across these areas.

The next stage of process development

SCSW is preparing to evaluate atomization with larger-diameter alloy rods. The next stage will focus on increasing the feedstock charge, improving equipment utilization and coordinating melting and atomization parameters.

The target is to raise daily rod throughput to 2.4 tonnes per line, subject to equipment and process validation. Continued work on powder cleanliness, particle size distribution and batch consistency will support this development toward larger-scale superalloy powder production.

Meet us at Formnext 2026

17–20 November 2026

Messe Frankfurt, Germany

Hall 11.0 · F30

See you at F30.