304L Stainless Steel Powder 8Ni Grade for MIM Excellent Corrosion Resistance High Ductility

Description:
Our 304L stainless steel powder 8Ni grade is a low carbon (≤0.03%) austenitic powder engineered for high performance net shape manufacturing processes including Metal Injection Molding (MIM), binder jetting additive manufacturing, and conventional powder metallurgy. With a nominal nickel content of 8.0% and precisely controlled chromium level (18.0-18.5%), this grade provides outstanding corrosion resistance, excellent sintered ductility, and reliable process stability. The optimized particle size distribution (D10=3.0μm, D50=8.5μm, D90=20.0μm) ensures high packing density, consistent flowability, and green density >5.35 g/cm³. After sintering at approximately 1375°C, the material achieves a sintered density of ≥7.78 g/cm³, shrinkage ratio of 1.165, and debinding rate of ~7.4%. Mechanical properties include tensile strength ≥250 MPa, yield strength ≥180 MPa, elongation ≥50%, and hardness >130 HV, meeting ASTM and ISO standards for 304L stainless steel components.

Parameter Table

Categorized Applications & Advantages

1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

• Low carbon content (≤0.03%) prevents chromium carbide precipitation during sintering, ensuring excellent intergranular corrosion resistance for thin walled and intricate parts

• Stable shrinkage ratio (1.165) and consistent debinding behavior enable tight tolerance control for high volume production of medical device housings, dental instruments, and electronic connectors

• Optimized particle size distribution (D50=8.5μm) provides high green strength and defect free molding of complex geometries

2. Additive Manufacturing – Binder Jetting & Powder Bed Fusion

• Narrow particle size distribution and high flowability (MFI 4386) support uniform powder layer spreading and high packing density for additively manufactured components

• 304L grade allows post sintering welding or laser re melting without sensitization, ideal for custom manifolds, fluidic channels, and lightweight structures

3. Corrosion Resistant Components for General Industrial Environments

• 8Ni grade with 18% chromium delivers reliable resistance to oxidation and mild acids, suitable for food processing equipment, chemical handling fittings, and marine hardware

• Outperforms standard 304 in welded or sintered conditions due to extra low carbon, extending service life of parts exposed to moisture and saline atmospheres

4. High Ductility Mechanical Parts Requiring Post Sintering Forming

• Elongation ≥50% enables secondary operations such as crimping, bending, flaring, or thread rolling without fracture

• Maintains tensile strength ≥250 MPa and yield ≥180 MPa for structural applications including pneumatic fittings, valve components, and automotive sensor housings

Advantages Overview

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Extra low carbon combined with balanced 8Ni ensures no intergranular attack after sintering or welding

• Process Reliability: Consistent melt flow index, debinding rate (7.4%), and shrinkage ratio minimize scrap in automated MIM and binder jetting production lines

• High Ductility & Toughness: ≥50% elongation allows cold forming and improves impact performance for safety critical parts

• Wide Industry Acceptance: Meets ASTM A240, ISO 5832-1, and FDA requirements for food contact and medical applications

• Post Sintering Flexibility: Parts can be welded, brazed, laser cut, or surface treated without degrading corrosion resistance or mechanical properties