Better Metal is an advanced manufacturer and precision processor of powder metallurgy (PM) superalloys. As aero-engines and high-output gas turbines push operating temperatures and centrifugal stresses beyond the metallurgical limits of traditional cast and wrought alloys, PM superalloys provide the ultimate structural solution. By rapidly solidifying atomized metal droplets, PM technology completely eliminates macro-segregation and precipitation coarsening, allowing higher additions of γ'-phase forming elements (Al, Ti, Ta, Nb). We supply the complete value chain—from ultra-clean spherical pre-alloyed powders (PREP/VIGA) to Hot Isostatic Pressed (HIP) solid billets and near-net-shape isothermally forged turbine discs.
In heavily alloyed nickel superalloys containing over 50% gamma prime (γ') phase, conventional ingot metallurgy suffers from severe chemical macro-segregation, thermal cracking, and unworkable forging resistance. Powder metallurgy circumvents this bottleneck by consolidating micron-scale atomized powders via Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), extrusion, and isothermal forging. The resulting material possesses an ultra-fine, uniform equiaxed grain structure with unprecedented yield strength up to 750°C and superior resistance to fatigue-crack propagation.
1. For Aero-Engine & Defense OEMs:
Core Challenges Addressed: Premature disk burst, low-cycle fatigue (LCF) failure under alternating thermal-stress loads, and high reject rates in heavy rotating parts.
What We Offer: 100% full-density near-net-shape turbine discs, compressor spool discs, turbine baffles, and shaft sleeves. Materials feature dual-microstructure heat treatment (fine grain at bore for high tensile/fatigue strength, coarse grain at rim for elevated creep resistance) and guaranteed non-metallic inclusion control down to microscopic thresholds.
2. For Aerospace Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing Specialists:
Core Challenges Addressed: Powder porosity, hollow satellite particles, poor bed-flowability, and cracking during rapid laser/electron beam solidification.
What We Offer: Vacuum Inert Gas Atomized (VIGA) and Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP) spherical powders tailored for LPBF, EBM, and DED/LMD. Controlled particle size distribution (PSD: 15–53 µm, 45–106 µm), ultra-low oxygen content (< 100 ppm), high apparent density, zero satellite particles, and excellent reusability.
3. For Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine & Energy Equipment Builders :
Core Challenges Addressed: Massive component sizes, extreme thermal degradation over 50,000+ continuous operating hours, and prohibitive raw material wastage from machining large forgings.
What We Offer: Large-diameter PM consolidated ring preforms, disc blanks (OD up to 1200 mm), and HIP near-net-shape structural shells. Near-net-shape forming drastically reduces the Buy-to-Fly ratio (often from 8:1 down to 2:1), lowering machining costs while improving overall material integrity.
4. For High-Pressure Valves & Critical Tooling Engineers:
Core Challenges Addressed: Galling, severe erosive wear, and thermal fatigue in supercritical fluid valves and high-temperature extrusion dies.
What We Offer: Solid HIP blocks and composite PM bi-metal cladding components with uniform isotropic hardness, providing significantly higher wear-life compared to traditional wrought bars.
Pre-Alloyed Spherical Powders: 0–45 µm, 15–53 µm, 45–106 µm, 53–150 µm; packaged in argon-purged, sealed aluminum containers.
As-HIP Consolidated Billets: Diameter 50 mm – 600 mm; Length up to 1500 mm.
Isothermally Forged Near-Net-Shape Discs: Outer diameter 100 mm – 1200 mm; tailored strictly to 2D/3D component drawings.
Extruded / Rolled PM Bars: Diameter 15 mm – 180 mm for high-stress fastener and blade tie-rod applications.
1st Generation (650°C Class): René 95, IN100, FGH4095.
2nd Generation (700°C Class, Damage-Tolerant): René 88DT, Udimet 720 / 720Li, FGH4096.
3rd & 4th Generation (750°C–800°C Class): ME3 (René 104), Alloy 10, FGH4097, FGH4098.
Custom alloy atomization and experimental composition batches are available on request.
Uniform Isotropic Properties: Zero directional segregation or texture variation; identical mechanical strength in radial, axial, and tangential directions.
Superior Fatigue Life: Ultra-fine grain structure (typically ASTM 10–13 in fine-grain state) drastically increases fatigue initiation cycles.
High Yield Strength: Exceeds 1050–1200 MPa at 650°C, providing unmatched safety margins against plastic deformation under extreme centrifugal forces.
TEL: 86-18623759992
jason@bettmetal.com
Innovating Materials
for a Brighter Future
