High Purity 304 Stainless Steel Powder For MIM Excellent Sintered Density And Mechanical Properties
Our 304 stainless steel powder (8Ni grade) is engineered for demanding powder metallurgy applications, particularly Metal Injection Molding (MIM). With precisely controlled chemistry (Cr 18.19%, Ni 8.06%) and a balanced particle size distribution (D10=3.0μm, D50=8.5μm, D90=20.0μm), this powder ensures consistent flowability, high green density (>5.35 g/cm³), and exceptional sintered performance. After sintering at ~1375°C, it achieves a density of ≥7.78 g/cm³, shrinkage ratio of 1.165, and binder burnout rate of 7.4%. The resulting parts deliver robust tensile strength (≥250 MPa), yield strength (≥180 MPa), elongation (≥50%), and hardness (>130 HV), making it ideal for high-reliability industrial components.
304 Stainless Steel Material Parameters (8% Nickel Grade)
1. Chemical Composition
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Ni (Nickel) | 8.06 |
| Mo (Molybdenum) | 0.032 |
| Cr (Chromium) | 18.19 |
| Si (Silicon) | 0.65 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 0.87 |
| O (Oxygen) | 0.385 |
| C (Carbon) | 0.05 |
| Fe (Iron) | Bal (Balance) |
2. Particle Size Distribution
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| D10 | 3.0 |
| D50 | 8.5 |
| D90 | 20.0 |
3. Physical & Processing Parameters
| Property | Unit | Parameter |
|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage Ratio | - | 1.165 |
| Debinding Rate | % | 7.4 |
| Injection Temperature | °C | 180-205 |
| Sintering Temperature | °C | ~1375 |
| Green Density | g/cm³ | >5.35 |
| Melt Flow Index | g/10min (Load 21.6kg, Temp 190°C) | 4386 |
| Sintered Density | g/cm³ | ≥7.78 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ≥500 |
| Yield Strength | MPa | ≥180 |
| Elongation | % | ≥50% |
| Hardness | HV (HRC Convertible) | >130 |
Key Applications & Advantages
1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
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Optimized particle size distribution ensures high packing density and defect-free green parts.
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Low impurity levels (C≤0.05%, O≤0.385%) reduce sintering defects and improve final part consistency.
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Shrinkage ratio of 1.165 enables precise dimensional control for complex geometries.
2. Additive Manufacturing (Binder Jetting / DED)
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Excellent flow characteristics (MFI 4386 g/10min at 190°C/21.6kg) support smooth layer spreading and powder recoating.
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High sintered density and elongation (>50%) allow for post-processing like heat treatment or surface finishing.
3. Powder Metallurgy & Press-and-Sinter
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Achieves >7.78 g/cm³ sintered density, close to wrought 304 properties.
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Superior corrosion resistance from balanced Cr/Ni content (18.19% Cr, 8.06% Ni).
Advantages Overview
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Consistent Mechanical Performance: Guaranteed tensile strength ≥250 MPa and yield ≥180 MPa meet ISO/ASTM standards for 304 stainless steel.
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Process Stability: Stable debinding rate (7.4%) and narrow sintering window reduce scrap rates in mass production.
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Fine Microstructure Control: D50=8.5μm with moderate fines (D10=3.0μm) enhances sintering activity while maintaining good handling properties.
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Versatile Part Geometry: Supports thin walls, undercuts, and internal channels without secondary machining.
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