CMSX‑4 Alloy Medical - Single-Crystal Superalloy -Lork Group
Product Introduction
CMSX-4 is a second-generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloy and is currently one of the most widely used materials globally for turbine blades in aero-engines and industrial gas turbines. It achieves an exceptional balance between high strength and processing stability.
The core characteristics of CMSX-4 alloy are its single-crystal structure, γ' phase strengthening, and the presence of rhenium. First is its single-crystal structure; as the adage goes, "no grain boundaries means no weak points." Through a directional solidification process, the entire casting is formed into a single, monolithic crystal, thereby eliminating grain boundaries. Second is its γ' phase strengthening: within its microstructure, the volume fraction of the strengthening γ' phase reaches as high as 70%, providing the structural integrity necessary to sustain high-temperature strength. Finally, the addition of a 3% rhenium content serves as the crowning touch, the critical factor behind its leap in performance. With the inclusion of rhenium, not only are creep and fatigue strengths enhanced, but resistance to oxidation and hot corrosion is also elevated to a new level.
These are also the reasons why, specifically when it comes to turbine blades, there is simply no substitute.
Materials Market Overview
1. Identify the Required Material Form
Depending on the intended application, we primarily offer CMSX-4 in two supply forms:
Casting Master Alloy Rods (Most Common): Used for directional solidification casting to produce turbine blades and guide vanes. This represents the most traditional application.
Alloy Powder: Used for additive manufacturing (3D printing), typically available in particle size specifications such as 15–53 μm or 45–105 μm. Additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex cooling channel structures; however, process control is more challenging, and there is a higher susceptibility to the formation of stray grains and cracks.
Our technical dialogue with clients centers on the specific material forming process to be employed; only after confirming this process do we recommend the appropriate material form.
2. Price Reference
The price of CMSX-4 alloy is primarily determined by the cost of its nickel base combined with the premiums associated with rare metals such as rhenium, tantalum, and tungsten. Rhenium is the most expensive constituent; consequently, fluctuations in international rhenium market prices directly impact the material's overall cost. Given that the prices of nickel, rhenium, tantalum, tungsten, and other constituent materials have all risen recently, resulting in variable production costs, please contact us directly for specific pricing inquiries.
Generally speaking, the price of cast master alloy bars is several times higher than that of standard superalloys (such as Inconel 718). The powder form commands an even higher price due to the additional atomization process required for powder production.
Processing difficulty and key points
CMSX-4 is a notoriously "temperamental" alloy. If you are working with it for the first time, we have already encountered and learned from numerous pitfalls, so we need to give you a heads-up in advance.
Heat Treatment: The Solutioning Window Requires Precise Control
It features a specific "solutioning window" for its heat treatment-a temperature range typically spanning approximately 1250°C to 1300°C. Within this range, the objective is to eliminate segregation artifacts from the as-cast structure without exceeding the temperature limit and inducing incipient melting. While this window is not particularly wide, it remains entirely feasible for industrial-scale production. If you are performing the heat treatment in-house, we recommend utilizing a vacuum furnace to prevent surface oxidation and contamination.
Welding: Extremely Sensitive-Requires Specialized Strategies
This constitutes the most significant challenge associated with CMSX-4. Its weldability is poor; during the welding process, it is highly prone to solidification cracking, a phenomenon that serves as the primary cause for material rejection.
If you intend to perform welding or repair operations, the Technical Research Center at the Lork Group offers the following three recommendations:
Preheating is Mandatory: Preheating the material helps mitigate residual welding stresses and reduces the propensity for cracking.
Control Heat Input: Employing low heat input and high welding speeds during operations facilitates single-crystal growth and minimizes cracking.
Consider Post-Weld HIP Treatment: Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) can eliminate microscopic porosity present in the as-cast or as-welded states, thereby substantially enhancing fatigue performance.
For more information, please contact:
Email: susan@lorkgroup.com
WhatsApp: +86 19937075488
Chemical Composition
| Weight% | CMSX-4 Alloy |
| Ni | Bal |
| Co | 9.3-10.0 |
| Cr | 6.4-6.6 |
| W | 6.2-6.6 |
| Ta | 6.3-6.7 |
| Al | 5.45-5.75 |
| Re | 2.8-3.1 |
The remaining elements-Ti, Mo, and Hf-are added in trace amounts.
Mechanical Properties
(Room temperature, typical value)
| Material | Reference value |
| Tensile Strength | 1240 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 1035 MPa |
| Elongation | 10-12% |
| Melting point | 1340℃ |
Key Highlight: CMSX‑4 alloy under stress conditions of 1100°C and 200 MPa, the creep life can exceed 25,000 hours. What does this signify? It means that even after turbine blades operate continuously at this temperature for several years, their material structure remains stable.
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