High Performance 316 Stainless Steel Powder for MIM Superior Pitting Resistance

Description:
Our 316 stainless steel powder is a molybdenum bearing austenitic grade designed for demanding net shape manufacturing processes including Metal Injection Molding (MIM), binder jetting additive manufacturing, and precision powder metallurgy. With a typical nickel content of 10.0‑12.0%, chromium of 16.5‑17.5%, and molybdenum of 2.0‑2.5%, this powder delivers outstanding resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and acidic environments. The optimized particle size distribution (D10=3.0μm, D50=8.5μm, D90=20.0μm) ensures high green density (>5.35 g/cm³), excellent flowability, and a consistent shrinkage ratio of 1.165. After sintering at approximately 1375°C, it achieves a sintered density of ≥7.85 g/cm³, tensile strength ≥275 MPa, yield strength ≥200 MPa, elongation ≥45%, and hardness >140 HV, meeting ASTM A240 and ISO 15510 standards for general purpose 316 components.

Parameter Table

Categorized Applications & Advantages

1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

• Molybdenum content (2.0‑2.5%) provides excellent pitting resistance for thin walled components exposed to chlorides and mild acids

• Stable shrinkage ratio (1.165) and consistent debinding behavior enable high volume production of precision parts such as pump housings, valve cores, and chemical injector nozzles

• Good green strength and flowability support complex geometries including internal channels and undercuts

2. Additive Manufacturing – Binder Jetting & Powder Bed Fusion

• Narrow particle size distribution (D50=8.5μm) ensures uniform powder recoating and high packing density for additively manufactured manifolds, heat exchangers, and lightweight structural components

• Excellent flow characteristics (MFI 4386) minimize defects and improve process repeatability

3. Marine and Coastal Components

• Superior resistance to salt water and brackish environments makes this grade suitable for boat fittings, subsea sensor housings, dock hardware, and offshore platform instrumentation

• Outperforms 304 in pitting and crevice corrosion, extending service life in humid marine atmospheres

4. Chemical and Industrial Processing

• Reliable performance in contact with dilute sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and alkaline solutions supports applications in chemical reactor parts, mixing tanks, centrifuge baskets, and food processing equipment

• Higher carbon content (≤0.08%) provides slightly improved high temperature strength compared to 316L for components operating below 400°C

5. General High Strength Austenitic Parts

• Tensile strength ≥275 MPa and elongation ≥45% allow cold forming, thread rolling, and limited bending after sintering without cracking

• Suitable for pneumatic fittings, instrumentation connectors, valve stems, and wear resistant bushings

Advantages Overview

• Cost Effective Corrosion Protection: Molybdenum bearing chemistry delivers 316 grade performance at lower nickel content than 317 or superaustenitic alloys

• Process Compatibility: Works seamlessly with wax based and acetal based MIM binder systems as well as standard powder metallurgy lubricants

• High Sintered Density: Achieves ≥7.85 g/cm³, close to wrought 316 properties, ensuring reliable mechanical performance

• Wide Application Range: Meets general industrial specifications for marine, chemical, food, and architectural applications where welding is not required or post sinter welding is limited due to carbon level

• Consistent Powder Characteristics: Tight particle size control and stable melt flow index reduce scrap and improve production yield