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Technical Guide

Udimet 520 (UNS N07520) Superalloy: Nickel-Cobalt-Chromium Alloy for Gas-Turbine Discs & Shafts

UNS N07520 — Precipitation-hardened Ni-Co-Cr superalloy for gas-turbine discs, shafts, blading, and high-temperature rotating components in the 760–927°C service range. Manufacturer & global supplier.

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Udimet 520 nickel-cobalt-chromium superalloy forged turbine disc and gas-turbine rotating components
Udimet 520 superalloy forged turbine discs and shafts for aerospace and industrial gas turbines.

⚡ Udimet 520 Quick Specs

N07520
Ni-Co-Cr PH Superalloy
— (not assigned)
760–927°C
8.21 g/cm³
1260–1405°C
≥1250 MPa
≥900 MPa
≥12%
HRC 38–42
γ′ [Ni₃(Al,Ti)]
Turbine discs & shafts

1. Introduction: Why Udimet 520?

Udimet 520 (UNS N07520) is a precipitation-hardened, vacuum-melted nickel-cobalt-chromium superalloy developed for high-temperature structural service in the 760–927°C (1400–1700°F) range. It is the upgraded successor to Udimet 500, engineered to deliver a superior combination of high-temperature strength, creep resistance, low-cycle fatigue resistance, and fabricability for the most demanding rotating components of aircraft and industrial gas turbines.

The alloy's strength comes from gamma-prime [γ′ = Ni₃(Al,Ti)] precipitation hardening reinforced by solid-solution additions of cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten. Compared with its predecessor, Udimet 520 trades some cobalt for higher molybdenum and a refined Al/Ti balance, which improves creep and stress-rupture resistance, thermal stability, and forgeability. Its primary applications are gas-turbine discs, shafts, spacers, and turbine blading, where long life under high stress and temperature is mandatory.

Udimet 520 is an austenitic, non-magnetic alloy with good oxidation and moderate hot-corrosion resistance. Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Udimet 520 as forged bar, billet, discs, rings, and gas-atomized powder, with full certification for aerospace and power-generation buyers seeking a dependable Udimet 520 supplier.

Need Udimet 520 Superalloy Bar, Disc or Powder?

Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures and supplies Udimet 520 (UNS N07520) forged bar, billet, turbine discs, rings, and gas-atomized powder with full mill test reports and heat-treatment certification. Stock and made-to-order available.

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2. Chemical Composition

Udimet 520 is precipitation-hardened by a high volume fraction of gamma-prime. The cobalt and molybdenum contents provide solid-solution strengthening and raise the gamma-prime solvus, broadening the useful precipitation window and improving creep resistance. The controlled carbon and boron levels strengthen grain boundaries, while ultra-low sulfur and phosphorus preserve hot ductility.

ElementStandard / Limiting Range (wt%)Typical ValueRole in the Alloy
Nickel (Ni)Balance~55Austenitic FCC matrix, oxidation & corrosion resistance
Chromium (Cr)18.0 – 20.019.0Cr₂O₃ scale; oxidation & hot-corrosion resistance
Cobalt (Co)11.0 – 14.012.5Solid-solution strengthening; raises γ′ solvus
Molybdenum (Mo)5.50 – 7.006.0Solid-solution strengthening; creep resistance
Titanium (Ti)2.90 – 3.253.0γ′ former [Ni₃(Al,Ti)]
Aluminum (Al)1.80 – 2.302.0γ′ former; scale adhesion
Tungsten (W)0.80 – 1.201.0Solid-solution strengthening at high temperature
Carbon (C)0.020 – 0.0600.04MC/M₂₃C₆ carbides; grain-boundary strength
Boron (B)0.004 – 0.0100.006Grain-boundary strengthening
Iron (Fe)≤ 1.0 (residual)0.5Controlled low to preserve matrix
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.150.10Deoxidation; controlled for hot ductility
Manganese (Mn)≤ 0.150.10Deoxidation; sulfur control

Note: Sulfur is typically ≤0.015% and phosphorus ≤0.015% (impurity control). The composition is normally procured to a producer/OEM specification such as Special Metals PDS 15125A1; the ranges above are typical published limiting values for wrought product.

3. Physical Properties

Udimet 520 behaves as a typical high-strength nickel-base superalloy: moderate density, low thermal conductivity, and a thermal-expansion coefficient between those of stainless steels and cobalt-base alloys.

PropertyValueNotes
Density8.21 g/cm³ (0.297 lb/in³)Typical
Melting Range1260 – 1405 °C (2300 – 2560 °F)Solidus – liquidus
Thermal Expansion (20–100°C)~13.5 × 10−6 /°CMean coefficient
Thermal Expansion (20–800°C)~14.8 × 10−6 /KMean coefficient
Thermal Conductivity~11.5 W/(m·K) at 100°CLow; control heat input
Electrical Resistivity~1.25 μΩ·mTypical
Modulus of Elasticity (RT)~200 – 210 GPaDecreases with temperature
Magnetic PropertiesNon-magnetic (austenitic FCC)

4. Mechanical Properties

4.1 Room-Temperature Properties (Precipitation-Hardened Condition)

Properties below are typical minima for forged bar/disc stock in the standard solution-plus-aged condition. Actual values depend on product form, section size, and exact heat-treatment cycle.

PropertyTypical / Minimum ValueCondition
Tensile Strength (Rm)≥ 1250 MPa (≈180 ksi)Aged
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)≥ 900 MPa (≈130 ksi)Aged
Elongation (A)≥ 12%Aged
Reduction of Area (Z)≥ 15%Aged
HardnessHRC 38 – 42 (≈300 – 340 HB)Aged

4.2 Elevated-Temperature Properties

Property~730°C (1350°F)Notes
Tensile Strength~1000 – 1070 MPaTypical aged bar
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)~730 – 830 MPaTypical aged bar
Elongation~15%Good ductility retained

4.3 Stress-Rupture (1000-Hour) Strength

The 1000-hour rupture strength illustrates the alloy's creep capability across its service range (typical precipitation-hardened values from producer data):

Temperature1000-h Rupture Strength
649°C (1200°F)~585 MPa
704°C (1300°F)~475 MPa
760°C (1400°F)~345 MPa
816°C (1500°F)~230 MPa
871°C (1600°F)~150 MPa

5. Processing & Heat Treatment

5.1 Standard Heat Treatment

Udimet 520 requires a multi-step precipitation-hardening cycle to develop its optimum gamma-prime distribution:

  • Solution treat: ~1080°C (1975°F), hold, then rapid air or oil quench to dissolve γ′ and carbides and produce a uniform austenitic grain structure.
  • First age: ~845°C (1550°F) for several hours, air cool — precipitates coarser secondary γ′ and grain-boundary M₂₃C₆ carbides.
  • Second age: ~760°C (1400°F) for about 16 hours, air cool — precipitates fine tertiary γ′ for maximum strength.

Exact cycles follow the controlling specification (e.g., PDS 15125A1) and are adjusted for section size and component type. Vacuum or protective-atmosphere treatment is used to avoid surface oxidation on finished parts.

5.2 Forging, Forming & Machining

  • Forging: Perform hot forging in the 1050–1150°C range; avoid deformation below ~950°C to prevent cracking. Multi-directional forging yields uniform ASTM 5–7 grain size.
  • Cold working: Limited; only small deformations in the solution-treated condition, with intermediate annealing.
  • Machining: High strength and work-hardening require carbide tooling, low cutting speeds, heavy feeds, and generous coolant. Grinding, drilling, and tapping need heavy-duty lubricants.

5.3 Welding

Udimet 520 is only moderately weldable and is sensitive to hot cracking. Where joining or rebuilding is required, GTAW (TIG) or electron-beam welding is used, typically on solution-treated material with controlled low-to-moderate heat input and preheat near 200°C. A full solution-plus-aging treatment after welding is required to restore properties. Matching-composition wire (ER Udimet 520) is preferred; procedure qualification is strongly recommended because welding experience with the alloy is limited.

Buy Udimet 520 Superalloy — Trusted Manufacturer

Contact Hangbo Alloy Group for certified Udimet 520 forged bar, billet, turbine discs, rings, and gas-atomized powder. Competitive Udimet 520 price, fast mill lead times, full MTR and third-party inspection support.

✉ serena@hangboalloy.com  |  ☎ +86 166 2109 2936  |  WhatsApp: +86 166 2109 2936
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6. Oxidation & High-Temperature Resistance

Udimet 520 maintains useful oxidation and hot-corrosion resistance across its service temperature band:

  • Oxidation: The ~19% chromium forms a protective Cr₂O₃ scale, giving good oxidation resistance in air and combustion gases through roughly 900–1000°C.
  • Hot corrosion / sulfidation: Cobalt (11–14%) improves resistance to sulfide-type hot corrosion in sulfur-bearing combustion gases compared with lower-cobalt alloys.
  • Structural stability: Stable γ′ and controlled grain-boundary carbides give excellent resistance to thermal fatigue and microstructural degradation in the 760–927°C range.
  • Creep & stress rupture: High-temperature strength and rupture life are comparable to Waspaloy and René 41.
  • Limitations: Not intended for long-term use above ~950°C, where γ′ coarsening reduces strength; not a dedicated corrosion-resistant (Hastelloy-type) alloy for aggressive aqueous acids.

7. Applications by Industry

7.1 Aerospace Gas Turbines

  • Turbine discs and compressor discs in the hot section
  • Shafts and spacers for rotating assemblies
  • Turbine blades and buckets (where temperature permits)
  • High-strength engine fasteners and rings

7.2 Industrial & Power-Generation Gas Turbines

  • Land-based gas-turbine discs and shafts for power plants
  • High-temperature rotating and static structural components
  • Components requiring long creep life at 760–870°C

7.3 Other High-Temperature Rotating Components

  • Petrochemical and furnace high-temperature fasteners and bolting
  • Aircraft auxiliary power-unit and marine turbine parts
  • Additive-manufactured / HIP near-net-shape hot-section parts from gas-atomized powder

8. Product Forms & Availability

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Udimet 520 (UNS N07520) in the following product forms, produced by VIM (+ESR/VAR) melting for high purity and low gas content:

Product FormTypical Size / Condition
Forged Round Bar / BilletDiameter 10 – 300 mm; solution-treated or fully heat-treated
Discs / Pancakes / RingsDiameter 200 – 1200 mm; forged, heat-treated, machined
Hot-Rolled BarDiameter 8 – 120 mm
Gas-Atomized Powder15 – 53 µm (AM/HIP), 45 – 150 µm (PM)
Welding Wire (ER Udimet 520)Diameter 0.8 – 2.4 mm; spools / cut lengths
Precision-Machined ComponentsTo customer drawing; discs, rings, flanges

All products are supplied with EN 10204 Type 3.1 material certificates, including chemical analysis, room- and high-temperature mechanical tests, and ultrasonic/penetrant inspection where specified.

9. Applicable Standards & Specifications

Standard / DesignationDescription
UNS N07520Unified Numbering System designation for Udimet 520
Werkstoff-Nr.— (no EN/DIN W.Nr. is published for this grade)
Special Metals PDS 15125A1Producer material specification / data sheet for UDIMET alloy 520
OEM gas-turbine specsProcured to GE / P&W-type proprietary purchase orders
Product formForged bar, ring, disc, billet to customer/OEM specification
Heat treatmentSolution + two-stage aging per PDS 15125A1

10. Comparison: Udimet 520 vs Udimet 500 vs Waspaloy vs Inconel 718

PropertyUdimet 520Udimet 500WaspaloyInconel 718
UNSN07520N07500N07001N07718
Nominal Co %11 – 1415 – 2012 – 15≤ 1
Nominal Cr %18 – 2018 – 1918 – 2117 – 21
Nominal Mo %5.5 – 7.03.0 – 5.03.5 – 5.02.8 – 3.3
Strengtheningγ′γ′γ′ + B/Zrγ″ + γ′
Service temp760 – 927°C650 – 870°Cup to ~870°Cup to ~650°C
RT tensile (typ.)≥1250 MPa~1200 MPa~1200 MPa~1275 MPa
WeldabilityModerateModerateModerateGood
Primary useTurbine discs/shaftsTurbine discsTurbine discs/ringsTurbine discs/rings

Selection guide: Choose Udimet 520 when service temperatures exceed the practical limit of Inconel 718 (≈650°C) and when maximum creep and stress-rupture strength are needed for discs and shafts. Choose Udimet 500 for slightly lower-temperature disc service, Waspaloy for rings and cases needing good hot-corrosion resistance, and Inconel 718 when weldability and fabricability dominate.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Udimet 520?

Udimet 520 (UNS N07520) is a precipitation-hardened nickel-cobalt-chromium superalloy developed for high-temperature structural service in the 760-927°C (1400-1700°F) range. It is strengthened by gamma-prime [Ni3(Al,Ti)] precipitation plus solid-solution additions of cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten. Its primary use is gas-turbine discs, shafts, blading, and other rotating hot-section components in aircraft and industrial gas turbines.

Q2: What is the chemical composition of Udimet 520?

Typical limiting composition of Udimet 520 (UNS N07520): Nickel balance; Chromium 18.0-20.0%; Cobalt 11.0-14.0%; Molybdenum 5.50-7.00%; Titanium 2.90-3.25%; Aluminum 1.80-2.30%; Tungsten 0.80-1.20%; Carbon 0.020-0.060%; Boron 0.004-0.010%; with iron, silicon, and manganese as controlled trace residuals (S and P each typically ≤0.015%).

Q3: What are the mechanical properties of Udimet 520?

In the standard precipitation-hardened condition, Udimet 520 typically delivers room-temperature tensile strength ≥1250 MPa (≈180 ksi), yield strength ≥900 MPa (≈130 ksi), elongation ≥12%, reduction of area ≥15%, and hardness about HRC 38-42 (≈300-340 HB). At 730°C (1350°F) the alloy still retains roughly 1000-1070 MPa tensile and 730-830 MPa yield strength with good ductility.

Q4: What is the density and melting range of Udimet 520?

Udimet 520 has a density of about 8.21 g/cm³ (0.297 lb/in³). Its melting range is approximately 1260-1405°C (2300-2560°F). The thermal expansion coefficient is about 13.5 ×10⁻⁶/°C at 20-100°C and roughly 14.8 ×10⁻⁶/K over 20-800°C. It is an austenitic, non-magnetic alloy.

Q5: What is the standard heat treatment for Udimet 520?

Udimet 520 is given a multi-step precipitation-hardening treatment: solution treat near 1080°C (1975°F) followed by rapid air or oil quench, then a two-stage age — typically 845°C (1550°F) for several hours and 760°C (1400°F) for about 16 hours, each air cooled. This produces a fine, uniform distribution of gamma-prime that provides maximum strength and creep resistance. Exact cycles follow the producer's specification (e.g., PDS 15125A1).

Q6: What service temperature range is Udimet 520 designed for?

Udimet 520 is engineered for continuous service in the 760-927°C (1400-1700°F) range. It retains useful strength and oxidation resistance up to about 870°C (1600°F) and is not recommended for long-term use above roughly 950°C, where gamma-prime coarsening reduces strength.

Q7: What are the high-temperature and creep-rupture properties of Udimet 520?

Typical 1000-hour rupture strengths for precipitation-hardened Udimet 520 are about 585 MPa at 649°C, 475 MPa at 704°C, 345 MPa at 760°C, 230 MPa at 816°C, and 150 MPa at 871°C. These values make it suitable for high-stress turbine-disc and shaft service, with creep and stress-rupture resistance comparable to Waspaloy and René 41.

Q8: What is Udimet 520 used for?

Udimet 520 is used for the most demanding rotating and static hot-section components of gas turbines: turbine discs, compressor discs, shafts, spacers, turbine blades and buckets, high-strength fasteners, and rings. It serves both aerospace engines and industrial/utility gas turbines where long life under high temperature and stress is required.

Q9: How does Udimet 520 compare to Udimet 500?

Both are gamma-prime strengthened nickel-cobalt superalloys, but Udimet 520 trades some cobalt for higher molybdenum (5.5-7.0% vs 3.0-5.0%) and a somewhat different Al/Ti balance. The result is improved creep and stress-rupture resistance, better high-temperature stability, and generally better fabricability than Udimet 500, while retaining comparable room-temperature strength. Udimet 520 is the more modern, upgraded grade for turbine-disc service.

Q10: How does Udimet 520 compare to Waspaloy and Inconel 718?

Versus Waspaloy, Udimet 520 has higher molybdenum and a comparable cobalt level, giving it slightly higher strength and good hot-corrosion behaviour. Versus Inconel 718, Udimet 520 has a higher allowable service temperature (718 is typically used to about 650°C) and greater creep strength, while 718 offers easier fabrication and weldability. Udimet 520 is selected when service temperatures exceed the practical limit of 718.

Q11: Is Udimet 520 weldable?

Udimet 520 can be joined by GTAW (TIG) and electron-beam welding, but it is considered only moderately weldable and is sensitive to hot cracking. Welding is normally done in the solution-treated condition with controlled, low-to-moderate heat input and preheat around 200°C, followed by a full solution-plus-aging heat treatment to restore properties. Matching-composition wire (ER Udimet 520) is preferred. Many turbine-disc applications avoid welding and use forged monolithic parts.

Q12: What product forms does Udimet 520 come in?

Hangbo Alloy Group supplies Udimet 520 as forged round bar and billet (diameter roughly 10-300 mm), forged discs, rings and pancake forgings, hot-rolled bar, precision machined rings and flanges, gas-atomized powder for HIP / additive manufacturing, and matching welding wire (ER Udimet 520). All products are supplied with full mill test reports and can be delivered in the solution-treated or fully heat-treated condition.

Q13: What standards and specifications cover Udimet 520?

Udimet 520 is identified by UNS N07520. It is not assigned a Werkstoff-Nr. (no EN/DIN number is published) and is most commonly procured to proprietary OEM and producer specifications such as Special Metals PDS 15125A1 and gas-turbine OEM material specs (GE, Pratt & Whitney-type). It is supplied as forged bar, ring, disc and billet to customer/OEM purchase orders with heat treatment per PDS 15125A1.

Q14: What is the price and lead time for Udimet 520?

Udimet 520 is a premium aerospace/power-generation superalloy. Typical market pricing ranges from roughly $45-90/kg for forged bar and billet, higher for discs, rings, and precision-machined components, and $80-140/kg for gas-atomized powder, depending on section size, certification level, and nickel/cobalt/molybdenum market conditions. Lead times are typically 6-14 weeks for standard forged product and 10-20 weeks for discs, rings, or certified aerospace lots. Contact serena@hangboalloy.com for a competitive quote.