products details
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High Performance 304 Stainless Steel Powder 9Ni Grade for MIM High Sintered Density
| Model Number: | 304 |
Our 304 stainless steel powder 9Ni grade is specifically developed for demanding net-shape manufacturing processes such as Metal Injection Molding (MIM), additive manufacturing, and precision powder metallurgy. The nickel content is precisely controlled at approximately 9.0% to enhance austenite stability, corrosion resistance, and sintered ductility. With an optimized particle size distribution (D10=3.0μm, D50=8.5μm, D90=20.0μm), low carbon (≤0.05%), and low oxygen (≤0.38%), this powder ensures high green density (>5.35 g/cm³), predictable shrinkage (1.165), and outstanding post-sintered mechanical properties. After sintering at ~1375°C, the material achieves a density of ≥7.78 g/cm³, tensile strength ≥250 MPa, yield strength ≥180 MPa, elongation ≥50%, and hardness >130 HV, meeting rigorous industrial standards for stainless steel components.
Parameter Table
| Parameter | Unit | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ||
| Nickel (Ni) | % | 9.00 ± 0.20 |
| Chromium (Cr) | % | 18.10 – 18.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | % | ≤0.05 |
| Silicon (Si) | % | 0.50 – 0.70 |
| Manganese (Mn) | % | 0.80 – 0.95 |
| Carbon (C) | % | ≤0.05 |
| Oxygen (O) | % | ≤0.38 |
| Iron (Fe) | % | Balance |
| Particle Size Distribution | ||
| D10 | μm | 3.0 |
| D50 | μm | 8.5 |
| D90 | μm | 20.0 |
| Physical Properties | ||
| Apparent Density | g/cm³ | >5.35 (green) |
| 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 (HRC conversion ~ 8-10) |
Categorized Applications & Advantages
1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
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Higher nickel content (9Ni) improves sintered toughness and austenite phase stability for parts requiring excellent ductility and impact resistance
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Consistent shrinkage ratio (1.165) enables tight tolerance control for complex geometries like medical device components, firearm parts, and automotive fuel injectors
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Low carbon and oxygen levels reduce carbide precipitation and sintering defects
2. Additive Manufacturing – Binder Jetting & DED
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Spherical particle morphology with narrow size distribution (D50=8.5μm) ensures high flowability and uniform powder bed spreading
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High sintered density (>7.78 g/cm³) and elongation (>50%) allow for subsequent heat treatment or surface densification
3. Corrosion Resistant Components
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9Ni grade provides enhanced resistance to oxidation and mild acids compared to standard 8Ni grades, suitable for marine hardware, chemical processing fittings, and food contact equipment
4. Powder Metallurgy Press and Sinter
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Achieves near-wrought mechanical properties (≥250 MPa tensile strength) while eliminating secondary machining costs for high-volume small parts
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Excellent green strength supports automated handling and complex part ejection
Advantages Overview
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Superior Ductility: ≥50% elongation enables cold forming and post-sintering bending without cracking
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Process Stability: Stable debinding (7.4%) and sintering window minimize scrap in mass production
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Corrosion Resistance Upgrade: 9Ni nominal content offers better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than standard 304 grades
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Wide Process Compatibility: Works seamlessly with wax-based and acetal-based binder systems in MIM as well as with powder metallurgy lubricants
