At MyT Machining, we provide advanced CNC solutions for industries that demand absolute precision and durability. One of the most challenging materials we frequently work with is Inconel 718, a high-strength, corrosion-resistant superalloy used in aerospace, marine, and energy sectors. With deep technical knowledge and specialized tools, our team consistently delivers components that meet rigorous quality standards. For anyone seeking insights into machining Inconel 718 effectively, this guide covers the essentials—from material behavior to tooling strategies and production techniques.
What Makes Inconel 718 Unique?
Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium-based superalloy known for its excellent mechanical properties and ability to perform in extreme environments. Unlike conventional steels, Inconel 718 maintains its strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for jet engines, turbines, and downhole oilfield equipment.
Key Properties:
High tensile and fatigue strength
Exceptional resistance to oxidation and corrosion
Maintains integrity up to 1300°F (704°C)
Age-hardenable for enhanced strength
Suitable for complex geometries with tight tolerances
These characteristics make it indispensable in high-performance applications—but also make it notoriously difficult to machine.
Common Applications of Inconel 718 Machined Parts
Aerospace Components
Turbine blades and discs
Jet engine fasteners
Airframe brackets and mounts
Energy and Power Generation
Nuclear reactor parts
Heat exchangers
Gas turbine rotors and housings
Oil & Gas Equipment
Downhole drilling tools
Valve seats
High-pressure flanges and connectors
These industries require materials that will not fail under stress, heat, or corrosion—Inconel 718 fits that need exactly.
The Challenges of Machining Inconel 718
Despite its performance benefits, Inconel 718 presents significant machining challenges that must be addressed through advanced techniques and proper planning.
1. Work Hardening
Inconel 718 tends to harden quickly when subjected to cutting pressure, making subsequent passes more difficult. Improper feeds and speeds can lead to rapid tool wear and poor surface finish.
2. Low Thermal Conductivity
The alloy retains heat in the cutting zone, which accelerates tool degradation and increases the risk of dimensional errors if heat isn’t controlled effectively.
3. High Strength and Abrasiveness
Its strength, while beneficial in application, makes Inconel 718 tough on cutting tools. The alloy's abrasiveness also reduces tool life and demands premium-grade inserts or coated tooling.
4. Poor Chip Control
Without optimized chip-breaking strategies, long, stringy chips can lead to surface damage, tool interference, and increased machine downtime.
Best Practices for Machining Inconel 718
Use the Right Tooling
Prefer coated carbide inserts with TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride) or similar coatings for heat and wear resistance.
Use sharp tools with a controlled edge radius to reduce rubbing and deformation.
Avoid reusing worn tools, as they can cause rapid work hardening.
Optimize Cutting Parameters
Keep cutting speeds between 20–60 m/min
Use high feed rates to minimize heat buildup
Maintain consistent tool engagement to avoid work hardening
Minimize dwell time—keep tools moving through the cut
Cooling and Lubrication
Apply high-pressure flood coolant or through-tool coolant to reduce temperature at the cutting zone
Use emulsified coolants specifically designed for nickel-based alloys
Monitor coolant concentration and flow rate regularly
Machine Setup
Ensure rigid workholding to eliminate vibration
Use shorter tool lengths and stronger tool holders to improve rigidity
Balance the tool and spindle for high-speed operations
CNC Techniques for Efficient Inconel 718 Machining
Advanced CNC programming is essential to minimize tool wear, reduce cycle time, and ensure part quality.
High-Speed Machining (HSM)
HSM allows for consistent material removal rates while minimizing heat accumulation in the tool. This improves surface finish and tool life.
Trochoidal Milling
Trochoidal paths reduce radial engagement, distributing wear across more of the tool and helping with chip evacuation.
Peck Drilling
Peck drilling clears chips from deep holes and prevents tool breakage during drilling operations.
Thread Milling
Compared to tapping, thread milling provides better chip control and less heat generation—ideal for Inconel’s hardness.
Post-Machining Finishing and Inspection
After machining, parts often require finishing processes to enhance performance and meet customer specifications.
Surface Finishing
Shot peening to improve fatigue resistance
Grinding or polishing for smoother surfaces
Passivation to increase corrosion resistance
Quality Control
At MyT Machining, every Inconel 718 component goes through:
CMM dimensional inspection
Non-destructive testing (NDT) like dye penetrant or ultrasonic testing
Documentation and certification per industry standards
Comparing Inconel 718 to Other Superalloys
| Material | Max Temp Resistance | Corrosion Resistance | Machinability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 718 | Excellent (1300°F) | Excellent | Moderate | High |
| Titanium Grade 5 | Good (1000°F) | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hastelloy X | Excellent (2000°F) | Very High | Poor | Very High |
| Stainless 316 | Fair (900°F) | Good | Good | Low |
Inconel 718 provides the best balance of heat resistance, strength, and cost-effectiveness in applications where failure is not an option.
Why MyT Machining?
At MyT Machining, we specialize in handling the materials that other shops shy away from. Inconel 718 is one of our core strengths.
We offer:
Deep knowledge of superalloy behavior
Advanced multi-axis CNC equipment
Strict in-house quality control
Full-service support from prototyping to production
Fast turnaround and flexible batch sizes
Whether you’re building jet engine components or critical oilfield systems, our team delivers parts that perform under pressure.
Final Thoughts
Machining Inconel 718 is a highly technical process that demands the right combination of knowledge, tooling, and precision. When done correctly, it results in components that stand up to the harshest operating environments without failure.
With a proven track record and world-class capabilities, MyT Machining is ready to help you bring your Inconel 718 designs to life—flawlessly, efficiently, and reliably.