This article covers the current state of materials development of nickel-base superalloys for additive manufacturing (AM) processes and the associated challenges. The discussion focuses on nickel-base superalloy fusion AM processes, providing information on typically encountered cracking mechanisms in AM nickel-base superalloys, such as solid-solution-strengthened nickel-base superalloys and precipitate-strengthened nickel-base superalloys. The mechanisms include solidification cracking, strain-age cracking, liquation cracking, and ductility-dip cracking. The article also provides a short discussion on binder jet AM and powder recyclability.

This article discusses the methods for producing powder metallurgy (PM) nickel powders, including carbonyl process, hydrometallurgical process, hydrogen reduction process, and atomization process, as well as their applications. It describes three processes for producing nickel alloy powders: water atomization, high-pressure water atomization, and gas atomization. The article also provides information on the applications of PM hot isostatic pressing in the oil and gas industry.

This article provides an overview of key abradable thermal spray coating systems based on predominant function and key design criteria. It describes two families of coatings which have evolved for use at higher temperature: flame (combustion)-sprayed abradable powders and atmospheric plasma-sprayed abradable powders. Three classic examples of flame spray abradables are nickel-graphite powders, NiCrAl-bentonite powders, and NiCrFeAl-boron nitride powders. The article provides information on various abradable coating testing procedures, namely, abradable incursion testing; aging, corrosion, thermal cycle and thermal shock testing; hardness testing; and erosion resistance testing.