Product Description
In the world of advanced manufacturing, Metal Injection Molding (MIM) stands out as a revolutionary process that combines the versatility of plastic injection molding with the strength and durability of metal. At the heart of this process is the MIM grade iron powder, a crucial element that defines the quality and performance of the final product.
MIM grade iron powder refers to finely atomized iron particles specifically engineered for use in metal injection molding. These powders exhibit characteristics such as controlled particle size, high purity, and excellent flowability, making them suitable for producing complex shapes with high precision.
- Particle Size and Distribution: Typically, MIM powders have a particle size ranging from 10 to 100 microns. This size ensures good surface finish and dimensional accuracy in the final product.
- Purity: High purity levels with low oxygen and nitrogen content are crucial for ensuring the strength and integrity of the molded components.
- Flowability: The spherical shape and smooth surface of the iron powder facilitate easy flow and packing within the mold, contributing to high green strength before sintering.
MIM grade iron powder is known for its excellent sintering properties, resulting in high sintered density, strength, and surface quality. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high precision and durability, such as automotive and medical components.
Iron powders can be mixed with other elemental or master alloy powders to achieve desired alloy compositions with specific chemical and physical properties. This versatility allows manufacturers to tailor the material properties to meet specific application needs.
Consistency in batch quality is essential for successful MIM production. Variations can lead to defects in molding and distortion in sintering. Leading suppliers ensure batch-to-batch consistency through stringent quality control measures, guaranteeing reliable performance in every production cycle.
MIM components made from iron powder are widely used in the automotive industry for producing parts like gears, valve springs, and steering components. The high strength-to-weight ratio offered by MIM technology makes it ideal for demanding automotive applications.
Due to its biocompatibility and precision, MIM grade iron powder is used in medical devices such as implantable joints and bone screws. The ability to produce complex shapes with fine details makes MIM an attractive choice for medical applications.
In aerospace, MIM iron powder is used to manufacture components that require high strength and durability, such as bearings and structural parts. The process allows for the production of lightweight components essential for aerospace applications.
Iron powder for MIM is typically produced through water or gas atomization processes. Gas atomized powders have a spherical shape, while water atomized powders may have irregular shapes. Both processes are designed to produce powders with fine particle sizes for optimal sintering performance.
The MIM process involves the use of binders to hold the metal powder together during molding. Various debinding techniques, such as thermal, catalytic, and solvent debinding, are employed to remove the binder without compromising the structural integrity of the part.
This technique involves heating the molded part to remove the binder, leaving behind a network of interconnected porosity. It requires careful control of temperature and time to ensure complete binder removal.
Catalytic debinding uses a gaseous acid environment to decompose the polymer binder. This method is faster than thermal debinding and is particularly effective for parts used in consumer electronics.
Solvent debinding involves immersing the part in a liquid solvent to dissolve the binder. It is a cost-effective method with environmental advantages, especially when using water-soluble binders.
| Property | Iron-Based Alloy Powders | Stainless Steel (316L) | Nickel Alloys (Inconel 625) | Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.4–7.9 (varies by alloy) | 7.9 | 8.4 | 4.4 |
| Hardness (HRC) | 20–65 (depends on heat treatment) | 25–35 | 20–40 (annealed) | 36–40 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 300–1,500+ | 500–700 | 900–1,200 | 900–1,100 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate (improves with Cr/Ni) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Max Operating Temp. (°C) | 500–1,200 (alloy-dependent) | 800 | 1,000+ | 600 |
| Cost (vs. Pure Fe = 1x) | 1x–5x (alloy-dependent) | 3x–5x | 10x–20x | 20x–30x |
Injection molding of powder injection molding technology
Compared with traditional process, with high precision, homogeneity, good performance, low production cost, etc. In recent years, with the rapid development of MIM technology, its products have been widely used in consumer electronics, communications and information engineering, biological medical equipment, automobiles, watch industry, weapons and aerospace and other industrial fields.
| Grade | Chemical Nominal Composition(wt%) |
| Alloy | C | Si | Cr | Ni | Mn | Mo | Cu | W | V | Fe |
| 316L | | | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | | 2.0-3.0 | - | - | - | Bal. |
| 304L | | | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-12.0 | | - | - | - | - | Bal. |
| 310S | | | 24.0-26.0 | 19.0-22.0 | | - | - | - | - | Bal. |
| 17-4PH | | | 15.0-17.5 | 3.0~5.0 | | - | 3.00-5.00 | - | - | Bal. |
| 15-5PH | | | 14.0-15.5 | 3.5~5.5 | | - | 2.5~4.5 | - | - | Bal. |
| 4340 | 0.38-0.43 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.7-0.9 | 1.65-2.00 | 0.6-0.8 | 0.2-0.3 | - | - | - | Bal. |
| S136 | 0.20-0.45 | 0.8-1.0 | 12.0-14.0 | - | | - | - | - | 0.15-0.40 | Bal. |
| D2 | 1.40-1.60 | | 11.0-13.0 | - | | 0.8-1.2 | - | - | 0.2-0.5 | Bal. |
| H11 | 0.32-0.45 | 0.6-1 | 4.7-5.2 | - | 0.2-0.5 | 0.8-1.2 | - | - | 0.2-0.6 | Bal. |
| H13 | 0.32-0.45 | 0.8-1.2 | 4.75-5.5 | - | 0.2-0.5 | 1.1-1.5 | - | - | 0.8-1.2 | Bal. |
| M2 | 0.78-0.88 | 0.2-0.45 | 3.75-4.5 | - | 0.15-0.4 | 4.5-5.5 | - | 5.5-6.75 | 1.75-2.2 | Bal. |
| M4 | 1.25-1.40 | 0.2-0.45 | 3.75-4.5 | - | 0.15-0.4 | 4.5-5.5 | - | 5.25-6.5 | 3.75-4.5 | Bal. |
| T15 | 1.4-1.6 | 0.15-0.4 | 3.75-5.0 | - | 0.15-0.4 | - | - | 11.75-13 | 4.5-5.25 | Bal. |
| 30CrMnSiA | 0.28-0.34 | 0.9-1.2 | 0.8-1.1 | - | 0.8-1.1 | - | - | - | - | Bal. |
| SAE-1524 | 0.18-0.25 | - | - | - | 1.30-1.65 | - | - | - | - | Bal. |
| 4605 | 0.4-0.6 | | - | 1.5-2.5 | - | 0.2-0.5 | - | - | - | Bal. |
| 8620 | 0.18-0.23 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.4-0.6 | 0.4-0.7 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.15-0.25 | - | - | - | Bal. |
Powder specification:
| Particle Size | Tapping Density | Particle Size Distribution(μm) |
| | (g/cm³) | D10 | D50 | D90 |
| D50:12um | ＞4.8 | 3.6- 5.0 | 11.5-13.5 | 22-26 |
| D50:11um | ＞4.8 | 3.0- 4.5 | 10.5-11.5 | 19-23 |
Factory equipment
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FAQ
1. What types of stainless steel powders are used in 3D printing?
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Common grades include 316L (excellent corrosion resistance), 17-4 PH (high strength and hardness), 304L (general-purpose use), and 420 (wear resistance). Each grade has specific properties suited for different applications.
2. What is the typical particle size for stainless steel powders in 3D printing?
3. Can stainless steel powders be reused?
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Yes, unused powder can often be recycled by sieving and blending with fresh powder. However, excessive reuse can degrade powder quality, so regular testing is recommended.
4. What safety precautions should be taken when handling stainless steel powders?
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Avoid inhalation or skin contact by using gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
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Store powders in a dry, airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
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Handle powders in a well-ventilated area or under inert gas to minimize explosion risks.
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100 Mesh MIM Iron Metal Powder For Metal Injection Molding Cas 7439-89-6 Images
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