304L & 316L Spherical Stainless Steel Powder for AM & MIM
This product is a high-purity, gas-atomized metal powder engineered for advanced manufacturing processes. Its spherical particle shape and specific chemical composition make it the premier choice for creating complex, high-performance parts.
Core Product Definition
Material: Austenitic Stainless Steel
Grades: 304L and 316L (the "L" denotes low carbon, enhancing weldability and corrosion resistance).
Particle Shape: Spherical (or near-spherical).
Primary Processes: Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Metal Injection Molding (MIM).
Key Characteristics & Why They Matter
| Characteristic |
Description |
Importance for AM & MIM |
| Particle Shape |
Perfectly spherical, smooth surface, minimal "satellites" (small particles stuck to larger ones). |
AM: Ensures excellent flowability for spreading thin, consistent layers in powder bed systems (e.g., LPBF).
MIM: Allows for high packing density and uniform mixing with the polymer binder. |
| Particle Size Distribution (PSD) |
Typically specified in ranges.
AM (LPBF): 15-45 µm or 20-53 µm
MIM: Finer, often 0-22 µm or 5-25 µm. |
A tightly controlled PSD is critical for process repeatability, part density, and surface finish. |
| Chemical Composition |
Meets ASTM/ISO standards for 304L/316L.
304L: ~18% Cr, ~10% Ni, Low C.
316L: ~17% Cr, ~12% Ni, ~2.5% Mo, Low C. |
The Molybdenum (Mo) in 316L is the key differentiator, providing superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides. |
| Flowability |
Very high, measured by Hall Flowmeter (e.g., < 30 s/50g). |
Essential for automated recoating in AM and for filling small molds uniformly in MIM. |
| Low Oxygen Content |
Typically < 500 ppm, often much lower. |
Achieved via gas atomization. Low oxygen is vital for achieving high ductility, good mechanical properties, and preventing brittleness in the final part. |
Head-to-Head: 304L vs. 316L for AM & MIM
| Parameter |
304L |
316L |
| Key Alloying Element |
Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) |
Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Molybdenum (Mo) |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent in most environments. Resists oxidation and many organic chemicals. |
Superior to 304L. Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments (e.g., seawater, salt, acids). |
| Mechanical Properties |
Good strength and excellent ductility. |
Slightly higher strength and better toughness at elevated temperatures. |
| Cost |
More economical. Lower Nickel and no Molybdenum content. |
Higher cost due to the Molybdenum content. |
| Typical Applications |
- Decorative or non-critical functional parts
- Interior architectural components
- Food and beverage processing parts (where chlorides are low)
- General consumer goods
|
- Marine and offshore components
- Chemical processing equipment
- Medical implants and surgical instruments
- Pharmaceutical and bioprocessing equipment
- Parts exposed to harsh or saline environments
|
Application-Specific Advantages
For Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing - LPBF/SLM)
Reliable Processability: The spherical morphology ensures a smooth, stable powder bed, leading to consistent melting and high-density parts (>99.5%).
Design Freedom: Enables the production of complex lattices, internal cooling channels, and lightweight structures that are impossible to machine.
Excellent Surface Finish & Resolution: Fine, consistent powder allows for fine feature details and good surface quality straight from the printer.
Material Properties: Parts built with 316L powder, in particular, exhibit mechanical properties and corrosion resistance that meet or exceed those of wrought (traditionally manufactured) 316L.
For Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
High Feedstock Loadability: The spherical particles allow for a high powder-to-binder ratio, which reduces shrinkage during sintering and increases final part strength.
Uniform Mold Filling: Excellent flow ensures the feedstock fills the entire mold cavity, even for very intricate and thin-walled parts.
Superior Sintered Density: Leads to high-density, high-integrity final components with excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.
Safety and Handling
Storage: Must be stored in a sealed, moisture-free environment, ideally under an inert gas (Argon/Nitrogen) to prevent oxidation.
Handling: Strict safety protocols are required due to the risk of dust explosion and the health hazard of inhaling fine metal powders. Handling should occur in controlled environments with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and explosion-proof equipment.
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