Abstract Several technological applications demand materials able to have good mechanical performance at relatively high temperatures (as high as 650 °C). This performance must be kept constant during long periods at these high temperatures. Superalloys, and particularly Ni–Cr–Fe alloys (Inconel series) appear to be candidates to accomplish such requirements. In these types of alloys, mechanical properties are achieved by precipitation of second phase particles after adequate thermal aging treatments. The present work is focused on studying the aging characteristics of Inconel 718. The study is complemented by the characterization of the hot forming behaviour of this material, and the effect of the particles on the deformation mechanism, and particularly on the softening mechanisms.