Udimet 710

Technical Reference Library

Udimet 710

Type Ni-Cr-Co Superalloy Nickel 55% Chromium 18%

Material Overview

Udimet 710 (AFNOR NCK18TDA) is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy in the Special Metals Udimet family, developed for the hottest sections of gas turbine engines, including investment-cast components. It is strengthened by gamma-prime (γ') formed from a relatively high combined titanium and aluminum content, with chromium providing oxidation resistance and cobalt and molybdenum contributing further high-temperature strength. Udimet 710 is characterized by an outstanding combination of creep-rupture strength, thermal-fatigue resistance, and good oxidation resistance at temperatures up to approximately 980°C (1800°F).

Like other Udimet-family grades, Udimet 710 sees service in gas turbine hot-section hardware that must sustain both high stress and high temperature simultaneously. It is a moderately documented trade name; published data on its exact microalloying content (B, Zr, W) is more limited than for the higher-volume Udimet 500 and 700 grades, so mill certification should always be consulted to confirm exact composition for a specific lot.

Chemical Composition

Element Amount
Nickel (Ni) 55% (Balance)
Chromium (Cr) 18%
Cobalt (Co) 15%
Titanium (Ti) 5%
Aluminum (Al) 2.5%
Molybdenum (Mo) 1.5%
Iron (Fe) 0.5%
Carbon (C) 0.07%

Nominal composition per published AFNOR NCK18TDA reference data. Only actively verified composition data is shown; remaining trace elements (B, Zr, W) were not available in a verifiable published source and are omitted rather than estimated. Confirm exact composition against mill certification for your specific lot.

Machinability Explained

Udimet 710 carries the same fundamental difficulties found across the nickel-based superalloy family. Thermal conductivity is low, so heat generated at the cutting edge concentrates at the tool-chip interface rather than dissipating into the chip, accelerating crater wear and edge deformation. The alloy work-hardens rapidly under the mechanical and thermal stress of cutting, so any hesitation, rubbing, or interrupted engagement at the cutting edge creates a hardened surface layer that is far tougher to cut than the base material - maintaining a constant, adequate chip load is essential.

Udimet 710's relatively high titanium content (5%) combined with aluminum drives a substantial gamma-prime fraction, and the alloy is engineered specifically to retain strength and creep resistance at temperatures approaching 980°C, so tool edges stay under heavy mechanical load even as cutting-zone temperatures climb. This drives notching and edge chipping if speeds are pushed too aggressively, and the alloy's chemical affinity for common tool materials makes it prone to galling and built-up edge. Rigid setups, sharp and properly honed positive-rake carbide grades suited to superalloys, moderate-to-low cutting speeds, and consistent, generous coolant delivery are the standard countermeasures for this alloy family.

Recommended Cutting Speeds

Application Vc (m/min) Vc (SFM)
Turning 60-180 200-590
Milling 45-135 150-440
Parting 40-115 130-380
Grooving 55-160 180-520
Drilling 55-160 180-520

These are general starting-point ranges for heat-resistant Ni/Co-based alloys. Actual optimal speeds depend on tool grade, coating, rigidity, and coolant strategy.

Recommended FM Carbide Grades by Operation

Turning

Grade Coating ISO Application Range
FM524 CVD S05 - S10
FM2533 CVD S15

Parting / Grooving

Grade Operation Coating ISO Application Range
FM2543 Parting CVD S20
FM2553 Parting CVD S30
FM2533 Grooving CVD S10

Milling

Grade Coating ISO Application Range
FM125 PVD S15 - S35

Ready to cut Udimet 710? Shop FM Carbide inserts engineered for high-temperature nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloys.

Shop Turning & Grooving Inserts Shop Milling Inserts

Recommended Insert Cutting-Edge Geometry

Honing Size 0.02-0.05 mm / 0.001-0.002"
Rake Angle 13° - 18°
Land Angle Neutral
Land Width 0.10-0.20 mm / 0.004-0.008"
Ground Insert Recommended