Low Carbon 304L Stainless Steel Powder 9Ni Grade for MIM High Corrosion Resistance Superior Ductility
Description:
Our 304L stainless steel powder 9Ni grade is a low carbon (≤0.03%) austenitic powder engineered for advanced net shape manufacturing including Metal Injection Molding (MIM), binder jetting, and precision powder metallurgy. The controlled 9% nickel content enhances austenite stability, while the extra low carbon eliminates risk of intergranular corrosion after welding or sintering. With a tight particle size distribution (D10=3.0μm, D50=8.5μm, D90=20.0μm), high green density (>5.35 g/cm³), and a stable shrinkage ratio of 1.165, this powder delivers consistent sintered performance. After sintering at ~1375°C, it achieves ≥7.78 g/cm³ density, ≥250 MPa tensile strength, ≥180 MPa yield strength, ≥50% elongation, and >130 HV hardness, meeting stringent requirements for corrosion resistant and high ductility components.
Parameter Table
| Parameter | Unit | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition (wt%) | ||
| Nickel (Ni) | % | 9.00 ± 0.20 |
| Chromium (Cr) | % | 18.00 – 18.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | % | ≤0.05 |
| Silicon (Si) | % | 0.50 – 0.70 |
| Manganese (Mn) | % | 0.80 – 0.95 |
| Carbon (C) | % | ≤0.030 |
| Oxygen (O) | % | ≤0.38 |
| Iron (Fe) | % | Balance |
| Particle Size Distribution | ||
| D10 | μm | 3.0 |
| D50 | μm | 8.5 |
| D90 | μm | 20.0 |
| Physical Properties | ||
| Green Density | g/cm³ | >5.35 |
| Sintered Density | g/cm³ | ≥7.78 |
| Shrinkage Ratio | – | 1.165 |
| Debinding Rate | % | ~7.4 |
| Melt Flow Index (190°C / 21.6kg) | g/10min | 4386 |
| Mechanical Properties (Sintered) | ||
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ≥250 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | MPa | ≥180 |
| Elongation | % | ≥50 |
| Hardness | HV | >130 |
Categorized Applications & Advantages
1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
-
Low carbon (≤0.03%) prevents chromium carbide precipitation during sintering, ensuring superior intergranular corrosion resistance for thin walled and intricate parts
-
9Ni grade delivers excellent sintered ductility (≥50% elongation), ideal for medical devices, surgical instruments, and electronic connector housings
-
Stable shrinkage ratio enables tight tolerance control for high volume production
2. Additive Manufacturing – Binder Jetting & Powder Bed Fusion
-
Narrow particle size distribution (D50=8.5μm) and high flowability support uniform layer spreading and high green density
-
Low carbon content allows post sintering welding or laser re melting without sensitization issues
3. Corrosion Resistant Components for Aggressive Environments
-
304L grade with 9Ni provides enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride containing media, suitable for marine hardware, chemical processing fittings, and offshore equipment
-
Outperforms standard 304 (8Ni) in welded or sintered structures due to carbide free microstructure
4. High Ductility Mechanical Parts
-
≥50% elongation allows cold bending, crimping, or thread forming after sintering without cracking
-
Maintains tensile strength ≥250 MPa for structural applications such as automotive fuel system components and pneumatic fittings
Advantages Overview
-
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Extra low carbon combined with 9Ni ensures no sensitization and excellent resistance to intergranular attack
-
Process Reliability: Consistent debinding rate (7.4%) and predictable shrinkage reduce scrap in automated manufacturing lines
-
High Ductility & Toughness: Elongation ≥50% enables secondary forming operations and improves impact performance
-
Wide Compatibility: Works with wax based and acetal based binder systems as well as standard powder metallurgy lubricants
-
Post Sintering Flexibility: Parts can be welded, laser cut, or surface treated without degrading corrosion resistance
Get in Touch
Have questions about our products or want to discuss a custom order? Our team is ready to help you.