Gas-atomized spherical Al, 1-106µm cuts, active Al >98-99.5%, Hall-flow certified AM grades and tight-D50 solar paste grades. UN DG packed. Custom distributions.
QUICK ANSWER
Spherical aluminum powder is gas-atomized aluminum in controlled size cuts (1-100 µm), valued for its flowability and predictable packing — the form required for additive manufacturing feedstock, solid rocket propellant, solar cell metallization paste, chemical reduction, and refractory additions. Its spherical shape and low satellite content distinguish it from the irregular milled aluminum used in pigments and pyrotechnics.
Atomization turns molten aluminum into droplets that freeze into near-perfect spheres in inert gas — the morphology that flows through AM recoaters, prints through solar paste screens, and packs uniformly into propellant grains. Particle size distribution is the product: AM buyers need tight 15-45 µm or 20-63 µm cuts with low fines; solar paste makers need 1-10 µm spherical feed; propellant and thermite formulators specify their own cuts. Active aluminum content (unoxidized metal, typically >99.5% of the particle) and oxygen pick-up are certified per lot since the thin alumina skin on every particle affects reactivity.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | > 99.7 wt% | Base metal purity for conductivity and reactivity |
| Active Al content | > 98-99.5% | Unoxidized metallic fraction — the reactive value |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.1-0.5 wt% | Surface alumina skin — certified per cut |
| Iron + silicon | < 0.4 wt% combined | Impurity limits per metallurgical standards |
| Moisture | < 0.1 wt% | Dry handling specification |
Final limits can be aligned with the agreed purchase specification.
APPLICATIONS
Additive manufacturing and metallization paste are the growth streams: AlSi10Mg and pure Al LPBF printing consumes spherical aluminum feedstock, while solar cell rear-side metallization paste — applied to virtually every crystalline silicon cell made — prints from 1-10 µm spherical aluminum. Paste makers buy on size distribution and active aluminum content; AM users on flowability, sphericity, and oxygen. Both markets certify lots exhaustively because powder quality prints directly into cell efficiency and part density.
Energetics and chemicals form the established streams: solid rocket propellant (aluminum is the energy-density booster in composite propellants), thermite welding and cutting, chemical reduction processes, refractory and explosive additives, and lightweight cellular concrete all consume spherical or semi-spherical aluminum in specified cuts. These markets buy on active metal content and consistent granulometry, with propellant-grade buyers requiring the tightest certification in the industry.
NON-FERROUS BASE METAL POWDERS
CUSTOM SUPPLY
We supply spherical aluminum in standard cuts from 1-10 µm (solar grade) through 15-45/20-63 µm (AM grade) to 45-106 µm (energetics and spray), with certified active Al content, flowability, and oxygen per lot. Custom distributions, alloyed spherical powders (AlSi10Mg, AlSi12, 6061), and inert-packed moisture-controlled packaging are standard. Note: fine aluminum powder is a regulated dangerous good in transport (UN 1309/1396 classes); we handle compliant DG packaging and documentation as standard practice. Not export-controlled.
We supply spherical aluminum in standard cuts from 1-10 µm (solar grade) through 15-45/20-63 µm (AM grade) to 45-106 µm (energetics and spray), with certified active Al content, flowability, and oxygen per lot.
Custom distributions, alloyed spherical powders (AlSi10Mg, AlSi12, 6061), and inert-packed moisture-controlled packaging are standard.
Note: fine aluminum powder is a regulated dangerous good in transport (UN 1309/1396 classes); we handle compliant DG packaging and documentation as standard practice.
MATERIAL COMPARISON
| Comparison Point | This Product | Irregular/Milled |
|---|---|---|
| Flowability | Excellent — Hall flow certified | Poor — does not flow |
| Packing density | High and uniform | Low, variable |
| AM suitability | Required | Unusable |
| Pigment use | Poor — needs flake | Standard — flake for leafing |
| Reactivity per mass | Moderate (low surface) | Higher (high surface) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
TECHNICAL FAQ
Need a different chemistry, particle range, or processing route? Our material team can review the requirement and supply window.
1-10 µm spherical with tight D50 control and high active aluminum — the distribution directly controls paste firing behavior and contact formation. We certify D10/D50/D90 per lot.
>98% on standard grades, >99% on propellant and reduction grades, measured volumetrically per lot. Active content is the true value figure — the oxide skin contributes mass but no reactivity.
Yes — it is classified as a dangerous good (flammable solid/water-reactive classes depending on cut). We ship in UN-approved DG packaging with full documentation; this is routine for us and factored into logistics.
Yes — 15-45 µm and 20-63 µm with low fines, certified Hall flow, sphericity images, and oxygen data. AlSi10Mg and other alloys available in the same quality.
No. Aluminum powders ship without licensing requirements; only transport DG rules apply.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Compare neighboring grades from the same material family, then review the complete category for additional chemistry and particle options.
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