Spherical Aluminum Powder

Spherical aluminum powder is a fascinating and versatile material widely used in various industries, from aerospace to electronics. But what makes it so special? Let’s dive deep into the world of spherical aluminum powder, exploring its properties, applications, and the different models available in the market.

Overview

Spherical aluminum powder is aluminum in a finely powdered form with a spherical shape. This unique shape provides specific advantages over irregularly shaped aluminum powders, such as better flowability, packing density, and uniformity in applications. It’s used in industries ranging from aerospace to 3D printing, and its properties make it an ideal choice for many high-tech applications.

Spherical Aluminum Powder

Types and Models of Spherical Aluminum Powder

Here are some specific models of spherical aluminum powder, each with unique properties and applications:

ModelCompositionParticle Size (µm)CharacteristicsApplications
Alumina 1000Pure Aluminum10-45High purity, excellent flowabilityAerospace coatings, 3D printing
Alumina 2000Aluminum Alloy (5% Mg)20-60Corrosion resistance, high strengthAutomotive parts, metal matrix composites
Alumina 3000Al-Si Alloy (10% Si)15-50High thermal conductivity, low expansionElectronics, thermal management
Alumina 4000Al-Mg-Si Alloy10-40Lightweight, high toughnessAerospace components, structural parts
Alumina 5000Al-Cu Alloy (4% Cu)25-70Enhanced mechanical properties, wear resistanceIndustrial machinery, tools
Alumina 6000Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy10-30High strength-to-weight ratio, good machinabilityMarine applications, high-stress parts
Alumina 7000Al-Li Alloy (2% Li)20-60Ultra-lightweight, high stiffnessAerospace structures, sporting goods
Alumina 8000Al-Sc Alloy (0.5% Sc)5-25Excellent grain refinement, high strengthHigh-performance applications, electronics
Alumina 9000Al-Mn Alloy (1% Mn)30-80Good corrosion resistance, moderate strengthContainers, packaging materials
Alumina 10000Al-Fe Alloy (0.2% Fe)15-55High thermal stability, electrical conductivityElectrical components, heat sinks

Properties and Characteristics

PropertyDescription
DensitySpherical aluminum powder typically has a density of 2.7 g/cm³.
PurityHigh purity, often exceeding 99.9% aluminum content.
Particle Size DistributionRanges from 5 µm to 80 µm, depending on the model and application.
FlowabilitySuperior flow characteristics due to the spherical shape.
Thermal ConductivityHigh thermal conductivity, beneficial for heat dissipation applications.
Electrical ConductivityGood electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electronic applications.
Corrosion ResistanceVaries depending on alloy composition, with some models offering enhanced resistance.

Applications of Spherical Aluminum Powder

Spherical aluminum powder’s unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications:

IndustryApplications
AerospaceLightweight structural components, coatings for thermal protection.
AutomotiveEngine parts, lightweight components, fuel cells.
ElectronicsHeat sinks, conductive pastes, thermal interface materials.
3D PrintingAdditive manufacturing of complex parts, rapid prototyping.
MedicalBiocompatible implants, dental applications.
DefenseAmmunition, lightweight armor.
IndustrialMetal matrix composites, machinery components, tooling.
PackagingContainers, foils, packaging materials.
EnergyBatteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells.

Specifications, Sizes, Grades, Standards

SpecificationDetails
Particle SizeRanges from 5 µm to 80 µm
GradesBased on alloy composition and purity levels
StandardsASTM, ISO, JIS standards applicable to specific industries and applications
PackagingAvailable in various quantities, from small bottles to large drums

Suppliers and Pricing Details

SupplierRegionPrice Range (USD/kg)Contact Details
AlcoaNorth America$50 – $100[email protected]
SumitomoAsia$60 – $110[email protected]
RusalEurope$55 – $105[email protected]
ECKA GranulesGlobal$52 – $108[email protected]
ValimetNorth America$48 – $102[email protected]
Norsk HydroEurope$57 – $112[email protected]
AMG AluminumGlobal$53 – $107[email protected]
Advanced PowdersAsia$59 – $109[email protected]
Shanghai CNPCAsia$50 – $100[email protected]
GKN HoeganaesGlobal$56 – $111[email protected]
Spherical Aluminum Powder

Comparing Pros and Cons

Advantages of Spherical Aluminum Powder

AdvantageDescription
High FlowabilityThe spherical shape allows for better flow and packing density.
UniformityConsistent particle size distribution ensures uniform properties.
Enhanced PropertiesImproved mechanical and thermal properties compared to irregular powders.
VersatilitySuitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.
Ease of HandlingReduced dust generation and easier handling during processing.

Disadvantages of Spherical Aluminum Powder

DisadvantageDescription
CostGenerally more expensive than irregular aluminum powders.
AvailabilityHigh-purity and specific alloy powders may have limited availability.
Processing RequirementsRequires precise processing techniques to maintain properties.
SensitivityCan be sensitive to moisture and requires proper storage conditions.

In-depth Look at Specific Models

Let’s delve deeper into the specific models of spherical aluminum powder:

Alumina 1000: Pure Aluminum

Composition: Pure Aluminum
Particle Size: 10-45 µm
Characteristics: High purity, excellent flowability
Applications: Aerospace coatings, 3D printing
Description: Alumina 1000 is ideal for high-purity applications where contamination must be minimized. Its excellent flowability makes it perfect for additive manufacturing processes.

Alumina 2000: Aluminum Alloy (5% Mg)

Composition: Aluminum Alloy (5% Mg)
Particle Size: 20-60 µm
Characteristics: Corrosion resistance, high strength
Applications: Automotive parts, metal matrix composites
Description: This alloy is designed for applications requiring enhanced strength and corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice in the automotive industry.

Alumina 3000: Al-Si Alloy (10% Si)

Composition: Al-Si Alloy (10% Si)
Particle Size: 15-50 µm
Characteristics: High thermal conductivity, low expansion
Applications: Electronics, thermal management
Description: The high thermal conductivity of Alumina 3000 makes it ideal for electronic applications where efficient heat dissipation is crucial.

Alumina 4000: Al-Mg-Si Alloy

Composition: Al-Mg-Si Alloy
Particle Size: 10-40 µm
Characteristics: Lightweight, high toughness
Applications: Aerospace components, structural parts
Description: Alumina 4000 is perfect for lightweight and tough applications, especially in the aerospace industry where material performance is critical.

Alumina 5000: Al-Cu Alloy (4% Cu)

Composition: Al-Cu Alloy (4% Cu)
Particle Size: 25-70 µm
Characteristics: Enhanced mechanical properties, wear resistance
Applications: Industrial machinery, tools
Description: This model offers enhanced mechanical properties and wear resistance, making it suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications.

Alumina 6000: Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy

Composition: Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy
Particle Size: 10-30 µm
Characteristics: High strength-to-weight ratio, good machinability
Applications: Marine applications, high-stress parts
Description: Ideal for applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio and good machinability, such as marine and high-stress components.

Alumina 7000: Al-Li Alloy (2% Li)

Composition: Al-Li Alloy (2% Li)
Particle Size: 20-60 µm
Characteristics: Ultra-lightweight, high stiffness
Applications: Aerospace structures, sporting goods
Description: Alumina 7000 is ultra-lightweight with high stiffness, making it perfect for aerospace structures and high-performance sporting goods.

Alumina 8000: Al-Sc Alloy (0.5% Sc)

Composition: Al-Sc Alloy (0.5% Sc)
Particle Size: 5-25 µm
Characteristics: Excellent grain refinement, high strength
Applications: High-performance applications, electronics
Description: The addition of scandium provides excellent grain refinement and high strength, suitable for high-performance and electronic applications.

Alumina 9000: Al-Mn Alloy (1% Mn)

Composition: Al-Mn Alloy (1% Mn)
Particle Size: 30-80 µm
Characteristics: Good corrosion resistance, moderate strength
Applications: Containers, packaging materials
Description: This model offers good corrosion resistance and moderate strength, ideal for packaging materials and containers.

Alumina 10000: Al-Fe Alloy (0.2% Fe)

Composition: Al-Fe Alloy (0.2% Fe)
Particle Size: 15-55 µm
Characteristics: High thermal stability, electrical conductivity
Applications: Electrical components, heat sinks
Description: Alumina 10000 is known for its high thermal stability and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electrical components and heat sinks.

Spherical Aluminum Powder

FAQ

QuestionAnswer
What is spherical aluminum powder used for?Spherical aluminum powder is used in various applications including aerospace components, 3D printing, electronics, and industrial machinery.
Why is the spherical shape important?The spherical shape ensures better flowability, packing density, and uniformity in applications compared to irregularly shaped powders.
How is spherical aluminum powder produced?It is typically produced using atomization processes where molten aluminum is sprayed into a chamber, forming spherical particles as it cools.
What are the advantages of using aluminum alloys?Aluminum alloys provide enhanced properties such as increased strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity for specific applications.
How should spherical aluminum powder be stored?It should be stored in a dry, cool environment to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption.
Can spherical aluminum powder be used in 3D printing?Yes, its high purity and excellent flowability make it ideal for additive manufacturing and 3D printing applications.
What industries benefit most from spherical aluminum powder?Aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, defense, and energy industries benefit significantly from using spherical aluminum powder.
Are there any safety concerns with handling aluminum powder?Proper safety measures, such as using protective equipment and ensuring good ventilation, should be taken to prevent inhalation and dust explosions.

Conclusion

Spherical aluminum powder is a remarkable material that offers a blend of unique properties and benefits for various industrial applications. Whether you’re in the aerospace industry looking for lightweight and high-strength components or in electronics needing materials with excellent thermal conductivity, there’s a model of spherical aluminum powder that fits your needs. Understanding the different models, their properties, and their specific applications can help you make informed decisions and leverage this versatile material to its fullest potential.

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