Water atomized 316L PM grade, 6.6-7.2 g/cm³ sintered, certified corrosion performance. Pump, lock, marine and filter parts. 304L/410L alternatives.
QUICK ANSWER
Press-and-sinter 316L is a water atomized austenitic stainless powder in coarse PM cuts (D50 80-100 µm) designed for die compaction and sintering into corrosion-resistant structural parts — pump components, lock hardware, sensor housings, and marine fittings — at 6.6-7.2 g/cm³ sintered density. It is the PM industry's standard stainless grade, distinct from the fine MIM and spherical AM cuts of the same alloy.
Water atomized 316L for pressing differs from its MIM and AM siblings in everything except chemistry: irregular coarse particles for green strength, annealed low-oxygen surface for clean sintering, and compressibility engineered for die life. The parts it makes trade some density (and therefore some corrosion performance) for the enormous cost advantage of press-and-sinter over MIM or machining — and for most industrial corrosion applications, 90-92 percent density stainless performs perfectly well. Buyers specify compressibility, green strength, and sintered corrosion testing per lot.
MATERIAL DATA
Lot-level controls focus on the chemistry, particle characteristics, and process values that influence manufacturing consistency and finished-part performance.
| Element | Content | Performance Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0-18.0 wt% | Passive film former — the corrosion resistance element |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0-14.0 wt% | Austenite stabilizer — ductility and non-magnetic structure |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0-3.0 wt% | Pitting resistance in chloride service |
| Carbon (C) | < 0.03 wt% | Extra low — prevents sensitization during sintering |
| Oxygen (O) | < 0.25 wt% | Water atomization residual — anneal-reduced for sintering |
Final limits can be aligned with the agreed purchase specification.
APPLICATIONS
Industrial corrosion-resistant PM is the market: 316L press-sinter parts serve as pump impellers and wear rings, valve components, lock and latch hardware, food machinery fittings, and marine hardware where machined stainless is uneconomic at volume. The parts operate in water, mild chemicals, and atmospheric exposure where the grade's pitting resistance suffices. Part makers buy on sintered corrosion performance — salt spray and ferric chloride testing per lot — because sintered stainless corrosion behavior depends on powder oxygen and sintering quality as much as on chemistry.
The second market is filtration and porous stainless: press-sintered 316L porous elements for filtration and flow control (complementing the spherical bronze filters in Category 12 for corrosive service), plus PM stainless for automotive flanges, sensor bodies, and exhaust-adjacent components where heat and corrosion coincide. The grade also serves as the base for sintered friction and wear materials in corrosive environments.
PRESS & SINTER (PM) POWDERS
CUSTOM SUPPLY
We supply press-sinter 316L in the standard 100-mesh cut with certified compressibility and chemistry, plus 304L and 410L alternatives and high-compressibility annealed variants. Custom size distributions for porous filter production, low-oxygen premium lots for maximum corrosion performance, and premix blending are available. Not export-controlled.
We supply press-sinter 316L in the standard 100-mesh cut with certified compressibility and chemistry, plus 304L and 410L alternatives and high-compressibility annealed variants.
Custom size distributions for porous filter production, low-oxygen premium lots for maximum corrosion performance, and premix blending are available.
MATERIAL COMPARISON
| Comparison Point | This Product | MIM 316L Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Sintered density | 6.6-7.2 g/cm³ (84-92%) | > 7.6 g/cm³ (96%+) |
| Corrosion performance | Good — porosity-limited | Near-wrought |
| Part geometry | Prismatic, 2D complexity | Full 3D, thin walls |
| Mechanical properties | Moderate | High — near-wrought |
| Powder cost | Low | Higher (fine spherical) |
| Best use | Industrial fittings, pumps, locks | Precision medical/electronics parts |
TECHNICAL FAQ
Need a different chemistry, particle range, or processing route? Our material team can review the requirement and supply window.
Hydrogen, vacuum, or dissociated ammonia at 1250-1350 °C with low dew point — the chromium oxide on each particle must be reduced for proper bonding and corrosion performance. We certify oxygen per lot so your furnace reduction capacity is matched.
Interconnected porosity traps chlorides and destroys pitting resistance — below 6.8 g/cm³ the part will underperform wrought dramatically in marine service. For chloride exposure, specify high-density pressing and our low-oxygen grade, and consider resin impregnation for porous parts.
Yes, with attention to porosity outgassing — TIG at low heat input works; for structural welds, higher-density parts weld more predictably.
Yes — 304L (general corrosion), 410L (magnetic, exhaust), and 430L are standard alongside 316L, in the same press-sinter cuts.
No. Stainless PM powders ship without licensing requirements.
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