{"id":3872,"date":"2024-03-18T06:10:08","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T06:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3dp.45612300.xyz\/product\/304l-stainless-steel-powder-for-mim\/"},"modified":"2024-03-18T06:10:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T06:10:08","slug":"304l-stainless-steel-powder-for-mim","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/product\/304l-stainless-steel-powder-for-mim\/","title":{"rendered":"304L Stainless Steel Powder for MIM"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><span style=\"vertical-align: inherit;\"><\/p>\n<h2>Overview of 304L Powder for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">304L is an austenitic stainless steel containing chromium, nickel and low carbon content. The &#8216;L&#8217; denotes lower carbon to avoid carbide precipitation during welding. 304L offers excellent corrosion resistance comparable to 316L but at a lower cost.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">Key characteristics that make 304L suitable for MIM include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Excellent corrosion resistance in a range of environments<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Good ductility, toughness and mechanical properties<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">High sintered density achievable<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Excellent moldability due to spherical powder shaping<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Cost-effective compared to 316L powder<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Readily available in a variety of powder specifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">This article provides a detailed overview of properties, processing, sintering, applications, and other specifics of 304L powder when used in metal injection molding.<\/p>\n<h2>Typical Composition of 304L Powder for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">The composition of 304L powder for MIM is:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Element<\/th>\n<th>Gewichts %<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>IJzer (Fe)<\/td>\n<td>Balans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Chroom (Cr)<\/td>\n<td>18-20%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nikkel (Ni)<\/td>\n<td>8-10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mangaan (Mn)<\/td>\n<td>\u00a8P 2%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Silicium (Si)<\/td>\n<td>\u00a8P 1%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Koolstof (C)<\/td>\n<td>\u00a8P 0.03%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Stikstof (N)<\/td>\n<td>\u00a8P 0.1%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Zwavel (S)<\/td>\n<td>\u00a8P 0.03%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">Nickel enhances corrosion resistance while chromium provides oxidation resistance. Low carbon minimizes carbide precipitation during sintering.<\/p>\n<h2>Properties of 304L Powder for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">304L powder exhibits the following properties:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Onroerend goed<\/th>\n<th>Waarde<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Dichtheid<\/td>\n<td>7,9 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Smeltpunt<\/td>\n<td>1400-1450 \u00a1\u00abC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Thermische geleidbaarheid<\/td>\n<td>16 W\/mK<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Elektrische resistiviteit<\/td>\n<td>0.72 \u00c3\u00d7\u00b4\u00ce.cm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Elasticiteitsmodulus<\/td>\n<td>193 GPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Poissonconstante<\/td>\n<td>0.29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rekgrens<\/td>\n<td>205-515 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Treksterkte<\/td>\n<td>515-620 MPa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Verlenging<\/td>\n<td>40-50%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">These properties make 304L suitable for producing high-performance MIM parts needing corrosion resistance.<\/p>\n<h2>304L Powder Specifications for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">304L powder for MIM has the following specifications:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\"><strong>Deeltjesgrootte<\/strong>?- Typically 10-20 microns with narrow distribution. Critical for high sintered density.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\"><strong>Debiet<\/strong>?- Minimum flow rate of 25 s\/50 g. Ensures smooth injection molding without blockages.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\"><strong>Morfologie<\/strong>?- Predominantly spherical powder for excellent moldability and density.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\"><strong>Zuurstofgehalte<\/strong>?- Low oxygen levels (&lt;2000 ppm) to minimize oxidation.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\"><strong>Schijnbare dichtheid<\/strong>?- Higher apparent density improves powder loading during molding.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\"><strong>Tapdichtheid<\/strong>?- Higher tap density above 4 g\/cm3 desired for good compaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Processing of 304L Powder in MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">304L powder undergoes the following processing steps during MIM:<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>1. Mixing<\/strong> &#8211; The powder is mixed with a suitable binder, lubricants, plasticizers to form the feedstock.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>2. Granulation<\/strong> &#8211; The feedstock is granulated into spherical pellets to improve flow into the injection barrel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>3. Injection Molding<\/strong> &#8211; The feedstock pellets are molded into complex net-shape parts using injection molding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>4. Debinding<\/strong> &#8211; The binder is removed from the molded parts through solvent and\/or thermal debinding processes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>5. Sintering<\/strong> &#8211; The debound parts (brown parts) are sintered at 1300-1400\u00a1\u00abC in hydrogen to produce dense components.<\/p>\n<h2>Sintering Response of 304L Powder<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">304L powder can achieve &gt;95% theoretical density upon sintering with minimal distortion.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Excellent sinterability owing to fine spherical powder, good surface cleanliness and purity.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Low carbon minimizes precipitation of chromium carbides during sintering.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Controlled temperature and atmosphere is needed to achieve high densification and properties.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Post-sinter heat treatment can enhance properties further.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Applications of Sintered 304L Parts from MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">MIM using 304L powder is ideal for:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Surgical instruments like scalpel blades, clamps, retractors, forceps.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Dental and orthodontic components like implants, braces.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Watch components like fingers, gears, springs.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Electrical contacts and connectors.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Catheters, cannulae and micro fluidic devices for medical.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Corrosion resistant fittings, fasteners and other hardware.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Decorative and costume jewelry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Benefits of Using 304L Powder for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>Benefits include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Excellent corrosion resistance comparable to cast or wrought 304L stainless steel.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">High dimensional accuracy and superb surface finish of MIM parts.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Complex geometries possible only through MIM.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Near full density and good mechanical properties.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Scalable process capable of economical medium and high volume production.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Lower component weight and material utilization compared to machining.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Global Suppliers of 304L Powder for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">Some leading global suppliers of gas-atomized 304L stainless steel powder tailored for MIM include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Sandvik Osprey (Verenigd Koninkrijk)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Carpenter Powder Products (USA)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">AMETEK (VS)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rio Tinto Metal Powders (Canada)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">H?gan?s (Sweden)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Guangdong Huijin Powder Material (China)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">These companies offer various grades of 304L powder meeting the stringent requirements of MIM.<\/p>\n<h2>304L Powder Prices for MIM Industry<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Rang<\/th>\n<th>Prijsbereik<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Commercial Purity<\/td>\n<td>15-25 per kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hoge zuiverheid<\/td>\n<td>$25-50 per kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ultrafine Grade<\/td>\n<td>$50-120 per kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">The ultrafine spherical gas-atomized powders used in MIM are costlier than standard grades. Smaller quantity purchases can be 50% higher priced.<\/p>\n<h2>Storage and Handling of 304L Powder<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">304L powder should be stored in sealed containers under controlled humidity and inert gas purging to prevent:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Oxidation\/reaction with environment<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Moisture absorption leading to poor sintering<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Safety precautions from supplier SDS should be followed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">Careful powder handling techniques should be used during MIM processing.<\/p>\n<h2>Quality Control Testing for 304L Powder<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">Important tests include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Particle size distribution (laser diffraction)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Morphology (SEM)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Flow rate (Hall flowmeter)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Schijnbare dichtheid<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Tapdichtheid<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Chemische samenstelling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">Proper testing ensures powder meets the critical requirements for high quality MIM feedstock.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison of 304L and 316L for MIM<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>304L and 316L powders are compared for MIM use:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-disc pl-8 space-y-2\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">304L offers better value with lower cost.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">316L provides higher corrosion resistance in harsh environments.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">Both offer excellent sinterability.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">304L has slightly better tensile strength whereas 316L offers higher yield strength.<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal\">304L suffices for most applications whereas 316L is preferred for more demanding conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>FAQ's<\/h2>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>Q: What is the typical 304L powder size used for MIM feedstock?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">A: 10-20 microns with narrow particle size distribution is typically used for optimal powder loading, moldability and sintered density.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>Q: How much does high purity 304L powder for MIM cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">A: High purity spherical gas atomized 304L powder costs $25-50 per kg based on order volume. Small quantities are significantly costlier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>Q: What sintered density can be achieved with 304L MIM parts?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">A: With optimized processing, sintered density above 95% theoretical density (approx. 7.6-7.8 g\/cm3) can be achieved for 304L MIM parts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>Q: Is any post-sinter heat treatment used for 304L parts from MIM?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">A: Yes, solution annealing followed by air cooling can be performed on sintered 304L MIM parts for enhancing mechanical properties.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\"><strong>Q: Where can I purchase 304L powder suitable for medical MIM applications?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap\">A: 304L powder meeting stringent specifications for medical sector can be purchased from leading suppliers including Sandvik Osprey, Carpenter Powder Products, AMETEK, Rio Tinto Metal Powders.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview of 304L Powder for MIM 304L is an austenitic stainless steel containing chromium, nickel and low carbon content. The &#8216;L&#8217; denotes lower carbon to avoid carbide precipitation during welding. 304L offers excellent corrosion resistance comparable to 316L but at a lower cost. Key characteristics that make 304L suitable for MIM include: Excellent corrosion resistance&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":1732,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":""},"product-category":[126],"class_list":["post-3872","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","product-category-mim-powder"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"product-category":[{"value":126,"label":"MIM Powder"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/304l-Stainless-Steel-Powder.jpg",600,600,false],"author_info":[],"comment_info":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/3872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3dpmetal.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product-category?post=3872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}