Reviewed · 2026-08-13
Metal Powders
Metal powders are process feedstocks whose alloy identity is only one acceptance dimension; production method, particle-size distribution, morphology, flow, density, contamination, sampling and virgin/reuse history control powder-metallurgy and additive-manufacturing performance.
Classification basis
Chemistry, atomization/reduction route, PSD and morphology, consolidation process and powder lifecycle
Six chemistry-specific guides connect base-alloy behavior to powder production, handling and consolidation without claiming wrought-equivalent properties.
A familiar grade name never replaces the governing product specification and certified documentation.01
Explore subcategories
Iron and Steel Powders
This page covers ferrous powders as powder feedstock; it excludes automatic transfer of wrought or cast properties to consolidated parts.
→Metal powdersStainless Steel Powders
This page covers stainless powders as powder feedstock; it excludes automatic transfer of wrought or cast properties to consolidated parts.
→Metal powdersAluminum Alloy Powders
This page covers aluminum powders as powder feedstock; it excludes automatic transfer of wrought or cast properties to consolidated parts.
→Metal powdersTitanium Alloy Powders
This page covers titanium powders as powder feedstock; it excludes automatic transfer of wrought or cast properties to consolidated parts.
→Metal powdersNickel Superalloy Powders
This page covers nickel powders as powder feedstock; it excludes automatic transfer of wrought or cast properties to consolidated parts.
→Metal powdersCopper Alloy Powders
This page covers copper powders as powder feedstock; it excludes automatic transfer of wrought or cast properties to consolidated parts.
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Representative grades and systems
| Grade / system | Use as a selection entry point |
|---|---|
| Fe-Cu-C PM powder | Start with consolidation process and machine window. |
| 316L AM powder | Select test methods before numeric limits. |
| AlSi10Mg | Control sampling and powder lifecycle by lot. |
| Ti-6Al-4V ELI | Start with consolidation process and machine window. |
| Alloy 718 | Select test methods before numeric limits. |
| CuCrZr | Control sampling and powder lifecycle by lot. |
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Property framework
Particle size and morphology
Flow and characteristic density
Chemistry, contamination and reuse stability
04
Common product forms
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Applications
- Press-and-sinter PM
- Laser/electron-beam PBF
- DED, thermal spray and HIP
- Start with consolidation process and machine window.
- Select test methods before numeric limits.
- Control sampling and powder lifecycle by lot.
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Standards and designation systems
ASTM B09 powder test methods
ASTM F3049
ISO/ASTM 52907 and 52928
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Procurement checklist
- State alloy, production method and intended process.
- Define PSD method/range, morphology, flow and density.
- Specify chemistry/interstitials, sampling, packaging and reuse history.
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Sources and editorial review
ASTM International · 2025 fact sheet and active methods
ASTM International · F3049-14(2021)
ISO · ISO/ASTM 52907:2019
ISO · ISO/ASTM 52928:2024