Fe-Ni-Mo-Cu, Distaloy Type
Distaloy-type diffusion alloyed powder, 800-1200 MPa heat-treated, Jominy certified per lot. Transmission gears, synchronizer parts, EV drivetrain PM.
QUICK ANSWER
Diffusion-alloyed steel powder is a water atomized iron base with nickel, molybdenum, and copper partially diffusion-bonded to each particle — delivering alloy-steel hardenability with near-iron compressibility. Sintered and heat-treated parts reach 800-1200 MPa tensile strength, making it the standard material for high-load PM gears, sprockets, and synchronizer components in automotive powertrains.
Diffusion alloying solved PM's central dilemma: pre-alloyed powders are hard and compress poorly, while elemental premixes segregate and give uneven properties. The diffusion-bonded route anchors alloy elements to the iron particle surface — no segregation in handling, iron-like compressibility in the die, and full alloy homogenization during sintering as the elements diffuse into the matrix. The result is heat-treatable PM steel that survives transmission-duty loads, which is why it dominates the demanding end of automotive PM.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.75-4.0 wt% | Hardenability and toughness — diffusion-bonded to base particles |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.5-1.5 wt% | Deep hardenability and tempering resistance |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.5-2.0 wt% | Sintering aid and secondary hardenability |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Soft water atomized base for compressibility |
| Carbon (C) | Premix added | Graphite added at blending to part specification |
Final limits can be aligned with the agreed purchase specification.
APPLICATIONS
Automotive powertrain PM is the core market: transmission gears, synchronizer hubs and rings, planetary carriers, and sprockets that see real torque are pressed from diffusion-alloyed grades, sintered, and case-hardened or through-hardened. The grade family enabled PM to invade territory once exclusive to machined wrought steel — a transmission gear PM program saves 30-50 percent against machining at volume. Part makers buy on hardenability certification (Jominy data per lot) and dimensional stability through heat treatment.
The second market is high-performance machinery PM: hydraulic pump components, heavy-duty power tool gears, and industrial drive parts, plus the growing segment of PM parts for electric vehicle drivetrains where the material's fatigue performance at high density competes with wrought steel. Double-press double-sinter and surface-densification processes (selective densification of gear teeth) push the grade to 7.5+ g/cm³ local density — the frontier of PM gear technology.
PRESS & SINTER (PM) POWDERS
CUSTOM SUPPLY
We supply diffusion-alloyed steel powder in Ni-Mo-Cu compositions equivalent to the industry-standard grades, with certified compressibility, hardenability (Jominy), and chemistry per lot. Custom alloy levels, high-density and surface-densification optimized variants, and premix supply with graphite and lubricant are available. Not export-controlled.
We supply diffusion-alloyed steel powder in Ni-Mo-Cu compositions equivalent to the industry-standard grades, with certified compressibility, hardenability (Jominy), and chemistry per lot.
Custom alloy levels, high-density and surface-densification optimized variants, and premix supply with graphite and lubricant are available.
MATERIAL COMPARISON
| Comparison Point | This Product | Pre-Alloyed (FL-4605 type) |
|---|---|---|
| Compressibility | Near-iron — soft base particles | Lower — pre-hardened particles |
| Alloy uniformity | Homogenizes during sintering | Uniform from the melt |
| Segregation risk | None — bonded | None — alloyed |
| Hardenability | High (Ni-Mo-Cu system) | Moderate (Mo-only typical) |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best use | High-strength heat-treated gears | Moderate-strength as-sintered parts |
TECHNICAL FAQ
Need a different chemistry, particle range, or processing route? Our material team can review the requirement and supply window.
Jominy end-quench curves from sintered and heat-treated test bars of the actual powder lot, plus chemistry and compressibility certificates. Transmission part makers qualify on this data package.
Yes — it is the standard base for selective surface densification (rolling densification of tooth flanks), reaching 7.5+ g/cm³ local density and contact fatigue performance approaching wrought gears.
1120 °C gives partial homogenization (acceptable for most parts); 1250 °C high-temperature sintering completes diffusion and maximizes properties. The grade is designed to perform across both furnace types.
Copper drives sintering growth — its level is set to balance the shrinkage from other elements, and our lots hold copper tightly so your die design dimensions transfer between lots.
No. Iron-nickel-molybdenum-copper PM powders ship without licensing requirements.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Compare neighboring grades from the same material family, then review the complete category for additional chemistry and particle options.
Water atomized 316L PM grade, 6.6-7.2 g/cm³ sintered, certified corrosion performance. Pump, lock, marine and filter parts. 304L/410L alternatives.
Pre-alloyed CuSn10 with certified dimensional change per lot. Precision bushings, porous filters, marine PM. Lead-free compliant, custom cuts.
Cu, CuSn, CuZn friction powders with certified sintering behavior. Motorcycle, racing, wind and industrial brakes. Pre-blended matrices, IATF documentation.
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Share your target chemistry, particle size, process, annual volume, and destination. Our powder specialists will confirm the closest production grade and documentation package.
