304 Stainless Steel Powder for SLM 3D Printing

Category	Parameter	Specification
Typical Applications	—	Suitable for aerospace parts, engines, etc.
Applicable Processes	—	LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion)
Chemical Composition (wt.%)	C	≤ 0.03
	Si	≤ 1.00
	Mn	≤ 2.00
	P	≤ 0.045
	S	≤ 0.030
	Cr	18.0–20.0
	Ni	8.0–12.0
	Fe	Balance
	O	≤ 0.08
	N	≤ 0.15
Physical Properties	Particle Size Range (D10 / D50 / D90)	≥15 μm / 30–40 μm / ≤60 μm
	Sphericity	≥0.9
	Apparent Density	≥4.0 g/cm³
	Tap Density	≥4.5 g/cm³
	Flowability	≤20 s/50g
Mechanical Properties	Status	Heat-Treated*
	Tensile Strength	≥600 MPa
	Yield Strength	≥320 MPa
	Elongation	≥45.0 %

> Please note: Specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact a Forgecise representative for the most current technical data.

2. Key Advantages of 304L Stainless Steel Powder

This ultra-low-carbon austenitic stainless steel powder delivers exceptional value for high-integrity applications:

Superior weldability & corrosion resistance: With carbon ≤0.03%, it avoids sensitization during welding or thermal cycling—critical for welded assemblies in corrosive environments.
High ductility and toughness: Elongation ≥45% ensures excellent impact resistance and formability, reducing part failure risk under dynamic loads.
Excellent processability in LPBF: Optimized particle size (D50 = 30–40 μm), high sphericity (≥0.9), and low oxygen content (≤0.08%) ensure stable powder flow, uniform layer deposition, and dense (>99.5% relative density) printed parts.
Broad regulatory acceptance: Compliant with ASTM A240/A484 and ISO 15510 standards; widely used in food, medical, and aerospace sectors where hygiene and reliability are paramount.

3. Application in Additive Manufacturing

Designed specifically for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), this 304L powder enables the fabrication of complex, high-performance components with minimal post-processing. Its narrow particle size distribution (D10 ≥15 μm, D50 30–40 μm, D90 ≤60 μm) ensures consistent recoating and reduced balling effects, while high sphericity (≥0.9) and excellent flowability (≤20 s/50g) support reliable automated handling. The resulting parts exhibit high density, good surface finish, and mechanical properties matching wrought 304L after solution annealing—making it ideal for lightweight aerospace brackets, engine housings, fluid manifolds, and custom medical/food-grade fixtures requiring corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and structural integrity.

4. What is 304L Stainless Steel Powder?

304L Stainless Steel Powder is an austenitic stainless steel powder with ultra-low carbon content, specifically designed for advanced manufacturing processes such as metal 3D printing (SLM/DMLS), metal injection molding (MIM), and powder metallurgy. The “L” designation stands for “Low Carbon,” which distinguishes it from standard 304 stainless steel and provides superior weldability and corrosion resistance in welded structures.

Core Characteristics

Ultra-Low Carbon Content: Carbon content ≤0.03%, significantly reducing the risk of chromium carbide precipitation during welding and preventing intergranular corrosion.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: High chromium (18-20%) and nickel (8-12%) content provide outstanding resistance to atmospheric corrosion, weak acids, alkalis, and various chemical environments.
Superior Weldability: The low carbon content makes it ideal for applications requiring extensive welding without post-weld heat treatment.
Good Formability and Ductility: Excellent elongation (≥40%) and toughness, suitable for complex shape manufacturing.
Non-Magnetic Properties: Austenitic structure ensures non-magnetic characteristics in annealed condition, beneficial for specific applications.

Typical Chemical Composition (wt.%)

Element	Content Range (%)	Function
Chromium (Cr)	18.0 – 20.0	Forms protective passive film, provides corrosion resistance
Nickel (Ni)	8.0 – 12.0	Stabilizes austenitic structure, enhances ductility and corrosion resistance
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.03	Ultra-low carbon prevents sensitization and intergranular corrosion
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0	Austenite stabilizer, improves hot workability
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0	Deoxidizer, enhances high-temperature oxidation resistance
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045	Impurity, requires strict control
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.030	Impurity, requires strict control
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Base element

Mechanical Properties

Property	Typical Value	Standard
Tensile Strength	≥ 520 MPa	ASTM A240
Yield Strength	≥ 205 MPa	ASTM A240
Elongation	≥ 40%	ASTM A240
Hardness	≤ 201 HB	ASTM E10

Major Application Fields

Chemical Processing Equipment: Reactors, storage tanks, pipelines handling corrosive chemicals.
Food and Beverage Industry: Processing equipment, storage containers, brewing equipment requiring high hygiene standards.
Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, medical equipment components, pharmaceutical processing equipment.
Architectural Applications: Building facades, decorative elements, structural components in corrosive environments.
Marine Applications: Boat fittings, offshore equipment, coastal structures.
Additive Manufacturing: Complex fluid channels, heat exchangers, custom medical implants, lightweight structural components.

304L vs 304 vs 316L

Feature	304L	304	316L
Carbon Content	≤0.03%	≤0.08%	≤0.03%
Chromium	18-20%	18-20%	16-18%
Nickel	8-12%	8-10.5%	10-14%
Molybdenum	None	None	2-3%
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent	Superior (due to Mo)
Weldability	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Cost	Moderate	Lower	Higher
Best For	Welded structures, general corrosion	General purpose	Marine, chemical, high corrosion

5. Customization Services by Forgecise

Forgecise provides comprehensive stainless steel powder customization solutions, covering the full range of products from standard grades to customer-specific formulations. We support mainstream grades such as 17-4PH, 15-5PH, 316L, 304L, 420, 440C, 13-8PH, and can adjust composition, particle size distribution, and sphericity according to your application requirements. Whether it’s small-batch samples for R&D (starting from 1kg) or ton-level orders for mass production, we ensure high purity, low oxygen content, and excellent flowability of our powders, meeting the requirements of various processes including SLM, EBM, MIM, and LMD.

FAQ:

Q1: What types of stainless steel powders can Forgecise customize?

A: We provide a comprehensive range of customized stainless steel powder solutions to meet diverse industrial needs, including:
Precipitation Hardening Series: Such as 17-4PH (S17400), 15-5PH, etc., ideal for high-strength structural parts.
Austenitic Series: Including 316L (1.4404), 304L, and 316LN, offering excellent corrosion resistance and ductility.
Martensitic Series: Such as 420 (1.4028) and 440C, suitable for tools, molds, and wear-resistant components requiring high hardness.
Specialty Alloys: Including high-temperature resistant series or customer-specified proprietary formulations.
Whether it is standard grades or newly designed compositions for specific environments, we can realize powder production from laboratory scale to mass production.

Q2: Can the particle size and morphology of customized powders be precisely controlled?

A: Absolutely. Through advanced gas atomization (GA) and vacuum induction melting gas atomization (VIGA) technologies, we provide precise control over particle size distribution and sphericity:
Particle Size Range: D50 customizable from 15–100 μm (e.g., 15–53μm for high-precision SLM, 45–105μm for general SLM, or 50–150μm for DED/Laser Cladding).
Morphology Requirements: High sphericity (≥0.9), smooth surface, and low satellite content, ensuring excellent flowability and high packing density.
Special Requirements: Available options include narrow size distribution and ultra-low oxygen content control.

Q3: How long does the customization process take? How is quality guaranteed?

A: Development Timeline: Small-batch prototyping (1–10kg) typically takes 3–4 weeks; mass production orders vary based on scale.
Quality Assurance: Each batch comes with comprehensive quality reports, including:
Chemical Composition: Precise analysis of alloying elements and interstitials (C, N, O, H).
Particle Size Distribution: Laser diffraction analysis.
Powder Characterization: Flowability and apparent density.
Morphology: SEM images to verify surface quality and internal porosity.
Standards Compliance: Strictly adheres to ASTM, ISO, GB, and other international standards, ensuring consistency for critical applications.

Q4: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? Do you support R&D-scale small batches?

A: Flexible solutions for all development stages:
R&D Validation: Supports orders starting from 1kg, facilitating material screening and process parameter optimization.
Pilot Production: 10–100kg batches with rapid delivery to support pilot runs.
Scaled Supply: Ton-scale continuous production capacity ensuring a stable supply chain for industrial manufacturing.
We understand that innovation begins with small steps, so we provide barrier-free customization access for startups, universities, and research institutions.

Q5: How do I initiate a customization project? What information is required?

A: Three simple steps to get started:
Requirement Discussion: Provide target application scenarios (e.g., medical instruments, automotive parts, marine components), key performance requirements (corrosion resistance, hardness, toughness, etc.), and preferred particle size.
Solution Design: Our materials engineers will recommend the optimal alloy system, atomization process, and cost-effective solutions.
Sample Confirmation: Deliver prototype powder → Customer validation (printing/sintering) → Mass production delivery.
Simply submit your preliminary requirements via email or online form, and we will provide technical support within 48 hours!

Key Features

High Speed, High Precision, High Quality

Laboratory setting showing gloved hands holding innovative 3D printed metal structures.

Forgecise Metal 3D Printers – SLM Series

Excellent as-built surface finish – Parts achieve good surface quality without post-polishing.
High dimensional accuracy – Ideal for producing precision prototypes.
Direct fabrication of metal end-use parts – Eliminates intermediate steps.
Fully dense metallurgical structure (>99% density) – Eliminating the need for post-processing.
Rapid build times – Parts can be completed depending on size and complexity.
Complex geometries made possible – Functional features such as snap-fits and living hinges can be printed directly.
Broad material compatibility – Supports a wide range of metal powders.
Perfect for custom, low-volume production – small-batch manufacturing.

304L Stainless Steel Powder for SLM 3D Printing | Ultra-Low Carbon, High Ductility | Forgecise

Specifications

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