| Model Number: | 304L |
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