100.30 / Ancorsteel Type
>99% water atomized iron powder with compressibility above 6.9 g/cm³ at 600 MPa for structural PM parts, gears, sprockets, premixes, and warm compaction.
QUICK ANSWER
Water atomized iron powder is the foundation grade of the powder metallurgy industry — high-purity iron (> 99%) produced by water atomization, annealed, and sized to 45–180 µm. Its irregular morphology delivers the green strength and compressibility required for die-compacted gears, hubs, sprockets, and structural parts sintered at 1120 °C.
This is the commodity that built powder metallurgy. Water atomization produces irregular particles whose mechanical interlocking gives reliable green strength, helping compacts survive die ejection and handling before sintering. Compressibility, green strength, and chemical purity determine press tooling life, sintered density, and dimensional consistency across high-volume production.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | > 99.0 wt% | Base metal — the structural backbone of PM parts |
| Oxygen (O) | < 0.15 wt% (annealed) | Low oxygen supports sintered ductility after reduction |
| Carbon (C) | < 0.01 wt% | Near-zero base carbon; graphite sets final part carbon |
| Manganese + Silicon | < 0.05 wt% | Controlled tramp limits from feedstock and atomization |
| Acid Insolubles | < 0.15 wt% | Non-metallic residue limit for die-wear control |
Final limits can be aligned with the agreed purchase specification.
APPLICATIONS
Blended with graphite and lubricant, this grade compacts into synchronizer hubs, timing sprockets, oil pump gears, and ABS sensor rings produced in high volume. Certified compressibility and lot-to-lot dimensional consistency reduce press re-setup between shipments.
Power-tool gears, lock components, appliance mechanisms, and agricultural machinery parts use the same dependable pressing behavior. The grade also provides a base for copper-infiltrated and heat-treated higher-strength variants.
PRESS & SINTER (PM) POWDERS
CUSTOM SUPPLY
We supply the standard 100-mesh base cut with certified compressibility, green strength, and chemistry per lot, plus finer 200-mesh and coarser 60-mesh variants. Pre-annealed low-oxygen, copper-coated, warm-compaction, and complete graphite/lubricant premix grades can be aligned with your press and sintering route. This grade is not export-controlled.
Standard 100-Mesh, Fine 200-Mesh, and Coarse 60-Mesh Cuts
Pre-Annealed Low-Oxygen Grades for High-Density Pressing
Copper-Coated Grades and Customer-Specified Premixes
Compressibility Curves and Lot-Level Chemistry Documentation
MATERIAL COMPARISON
| Comparison Point | Water Atomized Iron | Sponge Iron Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Morphology | Irregular, dense particles | Porous sponge structure |
| Compressibility | Higher — dense particles pack well | Lower — porosity limits density |
| Green Strength | Good | Excellent — maximum interlock |
| Apparent Density | 2.8–3.1 g/cm³ | 2.2–2.6 g/cm³ |
| Typical Part Density | 6.8–7.2 g/cm³ | 6.4–6.9 g/cm³ |
| Best Use | Structural parts and gears | Low-density parts, bearings, and friction |
TECHNICAL FAQ
Need a different chemistry, particle range, or processing route? Our material team can review the requirement and supply window.
Specify above 6.9 g/cm³ at 600 MPa for structural parts and above 7.0 g/cm³ for high-density single-press applications. Our lots can ship with certified compressibility curves so press settings transfer reliably between shipments.
The base powder is near-zero carbon. Graphite is added in the premix to reach the target, typically 0.3–0.8% combined carbon. We can supply premix-ready powder or complete graphite and lubricant blends.
Endothermic gas or nitrogen–hydrogen at 1120–1150 °C in mesh-belt furnaces is standard. The annealed low-oxygen surface reduces cleanly in these atmospheres without decarburization drift.
Yes. Its compressibility and lubricant compatibility support warm compaction to approximately 7.2–7.4 g/cm³. Specify a warm-compaction grade for an optimized particle size distribution.
No. It is a globally traded industrial metal powder and ships without an export licensing requirement.
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.
REQUEST THIS GRADE
Share your particle size, compacted density, annual volume, and destination. Our powder specialists will match the grade and documentation to your process.
