Ni superalloy component production method

A method of producing a Ni superalloy component in which the superalloy has a γ phase matrix containing intermetallic γ′ precipitates, the method including:

• providing a Ni superalloy casting of the component,
• solutioning the component by heat treating the casting under vacuum and/or in an atmosphere wherein the partial pressure of O2 during the solutioning heat treatment is less than 0.21 atm at a temperature above the γ′ solvus to homogenise the γ phase, and
• quenching and then ageing the solutioned component to grow intermetallic γ′ precipitates in the homogenised γ phase;
• wherein the solutioning is performed under a Ni vapour pressure which is sufficient to substantially supress volatilisation of Ni from a surface of the casting during the solutioning heat treatment.

A method of producing a Ni superalloy component in which the superalloy has a γ phase matrix containing intermetallic γ′ precipitates, the method including:

• providing a Ni superalloy casting of the component,
• solutioning the component by heat treating the casting under vacuum and/or in an atmosphere wherein the partial pressure of O2 during the solutioning heat treatment is less than 0.21 atm at a temperature above the γ′ solvus to homogenise the γ phase, and
• quenching and then ageing the solutioned component to grow intermetallic γ′ precipitates in the homogenised γ phase;
• wherein during the solutioning heat treatment, the component is encapsulated in a container which protects the casting from Si-doped contaminants.

A method of producing a Ni superalloy component in which the superalloy has a γ phase matrix containing intermetallic γ′ precipitates, the method including:

• providing a Ni superalloy casting of the component,
• oxidising the component by heat treating the casting to produce a thermally grown oxide on a surface thereof,
• then solutioning the component by heat treating the casting under vacuum and/or in an inert atmosphere at a temperature above the γ′ solvus to homogenise the γ phase, and
• quenching and then ageing the solutioned component to grow intermetallic γ′ precipitates in the homogenised γ phase;
• wherein the oxide thermally grown on the surface of the casting is sufficiently adherent and stable to substantially supress volatilisation of Ni from the surface of the casting during the solutioning heat treatment.