Metal additive manufacturing is growing quickly in India across aerospace, medical, tooling and research. Print quality depends heavily on the powder. This guide from Aritech Nanomaterials India explains the specifications that matter when buying metal powders for 3D printing.
Particle size distribution by process
- Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF / SLM): typically 15–45 µm or 15–53 µm
- Electron beam melting (EBM): typically 45–105 µm
- Directed energy deposition (DED) and laser cladding: typically 45–150 µm
- Binder jetting and metal injection moulding: finer powders, often below 25 µm
Always check your machine supplier’s recommended range; the D10, D50 and D90 values on the COA show the actual distribution.
Why sphericity matters
Gas-atomised and plasma-atomised powders are close to spherical. Spherical particles flow freely and spread into thin, even layers, giving dense parts with fewer defects. Irregular powders from milling or reduction cost less but generally do not spread well enough for powder bed processes.
Flowability and density
Look for Hall flow (seconds per 50 g) and apparent or tap density on the data sheet. Good flow and high packing density give consistent layers and stable melt pools.
Oxygen and moisture
Oxygen content strongly affects ductility, especially in titanium and aluminium alloys. Keep powders sealed, store them in a dry place or under inert gas, and dry them as recommended before use. Reused powder should be sieved and monitored for oxygen pick-up.
Common alloys
- Titanium and Ti-6Al-4V for aerospace and implants
- 316L and 17-4PH stainless steels
- Inconel 625 and 718 nickel superalloys
- AlSi10Mg and other aluminium alloys
- CoCrMo for medical and dental parts
- Copper and copper alloys for heat exchangers
Safety
Fine metal powders, particularly titanium, aluminium and magnesium alloys, can be combustible. Use grounded equipment, avoid dust clouds and follow the Safety Data Sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same powder for LPBF and DED?
Usually not. LPBF needs a finer cut than DED. The same alloy is normally supplied in different size ranges for each process.
Do you supply custom particle size cuts?
Many spherical and alloy powders can be supplied in custom size ranges. Specify the range and quantity when you request a quote.
Is a COA provided with metal powders?
Yes. Aritech can provide the batch Certificate of Analysis with chemistry and particle size data, plus the SDS.
Shop related materials in India
Browse these Aritech categories and popular products mentioned in this guide:
Popular products:
- Silicon Powder Spherical
- Spherical Titanium Powder
- Aluminum Spherical powder
- Aluminium Alloy Nanopowder
- Stainless Steel 316 Alloy Nanoparticles/Nanopowder
- Iron Niobium Alloy Nanopowder
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Buy in India from Aritech
Aritech Nanomaterials India (Aritech Chemazone Pvt. Ltd., Kurukshetra) is the authorized Indian distributor of Nanochemazone® Canada. Send your product, quantity and delivery city to sales@chemazone.in or use our quotation form for an INR quotation with GST invoice.
