ZYTC Inconel® 738LC (Low Carbon) Nickel-Based Cast Superalloy 

When gas turbine hot-section components demand exceptional creep strength and hot corrosion resistance up to 950°C, material selection is critical. As an ISO 9001 and AS9120 certified supplier, ZYTC Alloy presents this technical guide for Inconel 738LC.

I. Product Information

• Material Name: Inconel® 738LC (Low Carbon) Nickel-Based Cast Superalloy

• Definition: A precipitation-hardened, nickel-based superalloy renowned for exceptional creep rupture strength and hot corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 850-950°C (1560-1740°F) ."LC"denotes Low Carbon, a modification improving weldability and reducing post-cast welding cracking risk.

• Core Value: Combines high-temperature strength with superior resistance to sulfidation and oxidation, essential for turbine hot-section components.

• Primary Form: Investment cast components only (not available in wrought forms)

• Key Advantages:

  • Gamma prime (γ') strengthened (high Al + Ti)

  • Exceptional creep resistance to 950°C

  • Outstanding hot corrosion resistance

  • Improved weldability vs. standard IN-738

• Certification: ISO 9001 & AS9120

• Product Forms: Cast turbine blades/vanes, seals, shrouds, custom cast components

II. Chemical Composition (Typical wt%)

*Fe ≤0.5%, Mn ≤0.2%, Si ≤0.3%, S ≤0.007%. Low carbon content (0.09-0.13%) is critical for weldability.*

III. Service Conditions & Selection Boundaries

Suitable Conditions (Why choose it?)

1. Gas Turbine Hot Sections: First and second-stage blades/vanes up to 950°C (1740°F) .

2. Sulfidation Environments: Excellent resistance to hot corrosion from contaminated fuels/air.

3. Long-Term Creep-Limited Service: Maintains microstructural stability over extended periods.

4. Components Requiring Weld Repair: Improved weldability enables repair of complex castings.

Typical Applications:

• Power Generation: Industrial gas turbine blades (buckets), vanes (nozzles)

• Aerospace: Turbine hot-section components

• Industrial: Seals, shrouds, cast rings, other cast turbine hardware

IV. Manufacturing Process & Material Comparison

Critical Heat Treatment (Two-Stage):

Fabrication Guidelines:

• Primary Form: Investment casting only (lost-wax process)

• Welding: Improved vs. standard IN-738. Use matching filler for repairs. Low carbon minimizes carbide formation and cracking risk.

• Machining: Difficult due to high hardness; typically ground or EDM machined.

Mechanical Properties (Typical):

*Creep rupture: 950°C/150 MPa → 100+ hours typical.*

Material Comparison Guide:

Request a Quote Today:

For power generation gas turbine blades, vanes, or other hot-section cast components demanding alloy 738LC's exceptional creep and corrosion resistance, contact ZYTC Alloy.

Contact us for certified materials, technical support, and competitive quotes on custom cast components.

Contact Us:

Email:daisy@zytcsteel.com

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