Iron-based
Iron-based powder is a raw material of alloy powder with iron as the main component, which is widely used in the fields of mechanical parts, 3C products, porous materials, tooling materials, magnetic materials, shielding materials, surface coatings, etc., and it is the raw material of powder metallurgy with a large dosage, and it has a high cost performance ratio.
440C Stainless Steel Powder · High-Carbon Martensitic Stainless Steel
Ultra-high hardness HRC 56–60 · Excellent wear resistance · Specifically designed for precision cutting tools and bearings 15–53 μm / 53–150 μm / -300 mesh ~ -500 mesh
Core Advantages of 440C Stainless Steel Powder
Ultra-high hardness · Excellent wear resistance
After heat treatment, the hardness reaches HRC 56–60, making it one of the highest‑hardness grades among all stainless steels, with outstanding wear resistance.
Moderate corrosion resistance
The high chromium content (16–18%) provides basic corrosion resistance, while the addition of molybdenum further enhances pitting resistance, making it suitable for mildly corrosive environments.
Precise ingredients · Compatible manufacturing processes
It strictly conforms to the ASTM 440C standard and is compatible with a variety of near-net-shape manufacturing processes, including L-PBF, MIM, PM compaction, and thermal spraying.
Note: Do not weld.
Due to its relatively high carbon content, it exhibits poor weldability; therefore, additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy—both near-net-shape processes—are recommended as preferred fabrication methods.
Product Real-World Photos & Microscopic Morphology
15–53 μm powder SEM
High sphericity, narrow particle size distribution, and excellent flowability.
Real-life photos of the powder
Gray powder, packaged in vacuum‑sealed aluminum foil bags or iron drums.
Cutting tools/bearings
Surgical blades, bearing rings, precision wear-resistant components
440C high-carbon martensitic stainless steel powder
440C is the highest‑carbon grade in the 440 series of stainless steels, with chromium (16–18%) as the principal alloying element, complemented by high carbon (0.95–1.20%) and molybdenum (≤0.75%) for enhanced strengthening. After heat treatment, this material achieves exceptionally high hardness (HRC 56–60) and outstanding wear resistance, while also exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for precision cutting tools, bearings, wear‑resistant components, and high‑end consumer products. TIJO employs vacuum atomization to produce 440C pre‑alloyed powder, with chemical composition rigorously controlled in accordance with ASTM A276 and GB/T 1220 standards. The resulting powder features excellent sphericity, low oxygen content, and superior flowability.
Due to its relatively high carbon content, 440C exhibits poor weldability and is therefore unsuitable for welded joints. It is recommended to prioritize near-net-shape manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy.
Corresponding grade
| Standard system | Corresponding grade |
|---|---|
| China GB/T | 108Cr17 / 11Cr17 (S44096) |
| United States ASTM/AISI | 440C (UNS S44004) |
| Japanese JIS | SUS440C |
| German DIN | X105CrMo17 (1.4125) |
| International ISO / European EN | X105CrMo17 / 1.4125 |
* 440C is one of the most widely used high-carbon martensitic stainless steel grades worldwide.
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Element | C | Cr | Mo | Yes | Mn | Ni | P ≤ | S ≤ | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content range | 0.95-1.20 | 16:00-18:00 | ≤0.75 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | ≤0.60 | 0.035 | 0.030 | Bal. |
* Complies with the requirements of ASTM A276, ASTM A493, and GB/T 1220. High carbon and high chromium are key to enabling 440C steel to achieve ultra‑high hardness and moderate corrosion resistance. Specific chemical composition shall be subject to the batch inspection report.
Particle Size Specifications & Physical Properties
| Particle size specification | Tap density (g/cm³) | Hall flow rate (s/50g) | Oxygen content (ppm) | D10(μm) | D50(μm) | D90(μm) | Recommended Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15–53 μm | 4.4-4.9 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 17-22 | 30-34 | 48-55 | L-PBF laser printing, precision cladding |
| 53-150 μm | 4.5-4.8 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 56-66 | 90-102 | 135-155 | Laser Direct Deposition (DED), Hot Isostatic Pressing |
| 15–45 μm | 4.4-4.9 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 16-20 | 27-32 | 47-51 | Precision L-PBF, MIM |
| 20–60 μm | 4.4-4.9 | ≤25 | 300-500 | 20-25 | 32-37 | 51-61 | L-PBF, laser cladding |
| -500 mesh | 4.5-4.8 | — | 500-1000 | 4-5 | 12-13 | 20.5-24.5 | MIM ultra-fine injection, fine slurry |
* The 15–53 μm and 53–150 μm sizes are our standard stock offerings and can be customized. Physical properties are subject to the batch‑specific test report.
| Project | Typical value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Density (dense state) | 7.75–7.80 g/cm³ | — |
| Annealing hardness | ≤285 HB (≈HRC 31) | ASTM A276 Condition A |
| Quenching + tempering hardness | HRC 56-60 | After heat treatment |
Heat Treatment Process Reference
| Heat treatment stage | Process parameters | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 800–900°C, slow cooling | Reduce hardness and improve machinability. |
| Quenching | 1010–1065°C, oil quenching or gas quenching | Obtain a martensitic microstructure |
| Tempering | 150–370°C, twice | Select the tempering temperature based on the target hardness. |
* After quenching, it can achieve a hardness of HRC 58–60; low‑temperature tempering (150–200°C) maintains maximum hardness; high‑temperature tempering (above 350°C) can moderately improve toughness, but at the expense of reduced hardness.
Typical application areas
Precision cutting tools
Surgical blades, industrial cutting tools, and razor blades—ultra-high hardness ensures sharpness and wear resistance.
Wear-resistant components
Bearing rings, rolling elements, valves, pump bodies, gears
Molds and Tooling
High-wear-resistant injection mold cores and stamping die inserts
Luxury consumer goods
Watch cases, jewelry tools, and sports equipment components, with excellent polishability and corrosion resistance.
Medical device
Surgical instruments and dental tools: high hardness, corrosion-resistant, and sterilizable.
Additive manufacturing
3D printing of thin-walled components, complex structural parts, and near-net-shape parts, circumventing the challenges of conventional machining.
* Due to its high carbon content, 440C exhibits poor conventional machinability and is non-weldable; additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy near-net-shape processes represent ideal approaches for fabricating complex 440C components.
440C vs. Related Stainless Steel Powders
| Material Type | Key Features | Typical Hardness (HRC) | Corrosion resistance | Main applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 440C | Ultra-high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance | 56-60 | Good | Cutting tools, bearings, wear-resistant parts |
| S136 | Ultra‑mirror polishing, excellent corrosion resistance | 48-54 | Excellent | Optical molds, medical devices |
| 316L | Excellent corrosion resistance, good ductility | ≤25 | Excellent | Corrosion-resistant structural components |
| 17-4PH | Precipitation hardening, high strength | 33-45 | Good | Corrosion-resistant high-strength structural components |
440C is one of the highest‑hardness, most wear‑resistant grades among stainless steels, making it particularly well suited for applications requiring high hardness, excellent wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance.
Process Recommendations and Component Selection
| Craftsmanship | Recommended particle size | Key parameters | Post-processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-PBF additive manufacturing | 15–53 μm | Laser power: 150–300 W; layer thickness: 30–50 μm. | Stress relief + quenching + tempering |
| Laser Direct Energy Deposition (DED) | 53-150 μm | Power: 1.5–3 kW; powder feed rate: 15–30 g/min | Stress relief + heat treatment |
| MIM injection molding | -300 mesh / -500 mesh | Catalytic degreasing + sintering at 1280–1320°C | Quenching + Tempering |
| Powder metallurgy pressing | -300 mesh / -400 mesh | Press at 500–800 MPa, sinter at 1280–1320°C. | Heat treatment |
* Specific process parameters must be optimized based on the equipment and workpiece; TIJO can provide heat‑treatment process guidance.
End-to-end testing capability
Each batch of 440C powder is tested for major elements (C, Cr, Mo, Si, Mn, Ni), impurities (P, S), particle size distribution, oxygen content, flowability, and both loose‑packed and tapped densities. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided.
Packaging & Delivery
Powder packaging
Vacuum-sealed in a double-layer aluminum foil pouch (to prevent oxidation), with an outer iron or plastic drum.
Specifications: 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg per drum
Export packaging
Export orders are packed in wooden crates or palletized and reinforced to protect against moisture and impact.
Compatible with sea, air, and international express shipping.
Delivery time
In stock; ships within 3–7 days after order confirmation.
Custom particle size or minor formulation adjustments: 7–15 days
Batch Traceability
For each batch, a sample is retained, and the COA report is shipped with the goods.
Supports third-party testing (e.g., SGS)
Free sample
Samples are provided for process validation of L-PBF, DED, MIM, and PM.
Bulk supply upon quality confirmation.
Customized Services
Grain size customization
Carbon content can be adjusted, or alloy composition finely tuned, according to customer requirements.
Shipping documents
COA, MSDS, ingredient list, packing list
Meets export customs clearance requirements and customer in-plant inspection standards.
Technical Support
Provide process parameter guidance.
Assist customers in resolving various issues that arise during use.
Inquire Now for Free Samples
Fill out the form on the right or contact us directly; we will provide product samples, technical data sheets, and price quotes to help you quickly complete your additive manufacturing process validation.
Address: No.39, Liandong Yougu lnd. Park, Bachelor Street,Changsha City,Hunan Province, China.
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Address: No.39, Liandong Yougu lnd. Park, Bachelor Street,Changsha City,Hunan Province, China.
