Introduction: Why 304 Powder Matters in Modern Manufacturing
Stainless steel 304 powder has become a cornerstone in modern manufacturing, particularly in sectors like aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and additive manufacturing. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, 304 stainless steel is widely used in powder form for metal injection molding (MIM), powder metallurgy (PM), and especially 3D printing.
In the B2B context, wholesale buyers, distributors, and OEMs are increasingly seeking reliable sources for high-purity 304 powder to meet growing demand in precision manufacturing. Whether you’re a metal parts supplier, an e-commerce distributor of raw materials, or an engineering company scaling additive manufacturing operations, understanding the fundamentals of 304 powder is essential for supply chain and product strategy.
Key Attributes of 304 Stainless Steel Powder:
- Composition: Approximately 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in a wide range of environments
- Formability & Weldability: High, making it ideal for complex geometries
- Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic in annealed condition
- Applications: Automotive parts, surgical tools, architectural components, industrial machinery
Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Powder in Industry
304 powder is used across multiple industries due to its versatility, strength, and resistance to oxidation. Below is a breakdown of key industrial applications:
| Industry | Application | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Additive Manufacturing | 3D printed functional prototypes, end-use parts | High precision, excellent surface finish |
| Automotive | Fuel injectors, exhaust components | Heat & corrosion resistance |
| Aerospace | Brackets, ducting systems, casings | Lightweight and durable |
| Medical | Surgical instruments, implants | Biocompatibility, easy sterilization |
| Consumer Electronics | Casings, connectors | Aesthetic appeal, durability |
| Industrial Equipment | Valves, fittings, pump housings | Long service life in harsh environments |
Additive Manufacturing Use Case:
In the realm of 3D printing, 304 stainless steel powder is favored in:
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
- Binder Jetting
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd, through its additive manufacturing brand AM Printing, specializes in producing high-quality 304 powder suitable for these processes, ensuring consistent particle size, flowability, and purity.
Types of 304 Stainless Steel Powders
When sourcing 304 powder, it’s important to understand the different types available, as they vary based on manufacturing methods and intended use:
| Type | Production Method | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Atomized Powder | High-pressure gas breaks molten metal into fine droplets | Ideal for 3D printing, MIM |
| Water Atomized Powder | Water streams used to atomize molten metal | Economical for PM applications |
| Plasma Atomized Powder | Plasma arc melts electrode into fine, spherical particles | High-purity, spherical powder for aerospace/medical use |
| PREP (Plasma Rotating Electrode Process) | Rotating bar melted by plasma arc | Produces highly spherical, low-oxygen powder |
Why Spherical Powders Matter
Spherical 304 powders are preferred for:
- Higher packing density
- Improved flowability
- Better layer adhesion in 3D printing
Shanghai Truer offers advanced PREP and SEBM systems, helping clients produce custom spherical 304 powders with excellent flow characteristics. You can find out more about their powder portfolio here.
Market Trends and Growth Potential of 304 Powder
The global market for stainless steel powders—especially 304 powder—is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rapid adoption of additive manufacturing, demand for lightweight and corrosion-resistant components, and a push toward sustainable, low-waste production methods.
📈 Key Market Insights:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Global Stainless Steel Powder Market Size (2023) | ~$2.1 Billion |
| CAGR (2024–2030) | 6.5% |
| Major Consumers | Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Industrial Equipment |
| Top Growth Drivers | 3D Printing, Electric Vehicles, Advanced Manufacturing |
Why Demand is Rising:
- Additive Manufacturing Boom: With industrial 3D printing moving toward mass production, stainless steel 304 powder is in high demand for its weldability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
- Sustainability Focus: Powder-based production minimizes waste and energy, aligning with ESG goals.
- Miniaturization & Precision: As products get smaller and more intricate (e.g., electronics, implants), 304 powder enables high-precision manufacturing.
According to industry reports, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the stainless steel powder market due to strong manufacturing infrastructure and R&D investment. Companies like Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd are at the forefront of this trend—integrating powder production with equipment innovation to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Supplier
When selecting a B2B supplier for 304 stainless steel powder, buyers must evaluate not just price, but also quality consistency, technical support, logistics, and compliance with global standards.
✅ Supplier Evaluation Checklist:
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Powder Quality | Spherical shape, tight particle size distribution, low oxygen content |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ASTM compliance, RoHS, REACH |
| Customization | Ability to tailor powder specs (e.g., size, alloy composition) |
| Production Technology | PREP, SEBM, gas atomization capabilities |
| Packaging & Logistics | Vacuum-sealed packaging, anti-contamination measures, fast global shipping |
| After-Sales Support | Technical consulting, testing services, material documentation |
Shanghai Truer’s in-house production and testing allow for full traceability, fast lead times, and quality assurance. Their joint R&D platform with top labs enables rapid prototyping and material development, offering a competitive advantage to OEMs and 3D printing service providers.
Top 5 Suppliers of 304 Powder in Asia
Asia is home to several leading producers of stainless steel powders. Here’s a look at five of the most reputable providers:
| Supplier | Country | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd | China | In-house SEBM & PREP, custom alloys, R&D innovation |
| Sandvik Additive Manufacturing | Sweden (Asia division) | Large-scale production, wide alloy range |
| Höganäs AB | Sweden (Asia HQ in Japan) | High-volume powder metallurgy materials |
| CNPC Powder | China | Competitive pricing, wide distribution network |
| Ametek Specialty Metal Products | USA/Asia | High-purity spherical powders |
Among these, Shanghai Truer stands out for its integrated approach—offering both equipment and powder, along with customized additive manufacturing solutions for B2B clients.
Why More Buyers Are Choosing Alternative Powder Sources
Traditional stainless steel powder suppliers—especially those based in North America and Europe—have long dominated the market. However, in recent years, B2B buyers are increasingly exploring alternative sourcing options in Asia, with a growing preference for vertically integrated manufacturers that offer both high-quality powders and additive manufacturing support.
🌍 Key Reasons for the Shift:
- Cost Efficiency Without Quality Compromise
- Asian suppliers like Shanghai Truer offer competitive pricing due to localized production and lower operational costs.
- Buyers receive similar or better quality compared to Western suppliers at 20–30% lower cost per kilogram.
- Integrated Supply Chains
- Companies like Shanghai Truer not only produce 304 stainless steel powder but also manufacture powder production equipment (SEBM, PREP), enabling strict quality control and customization.
- This vertical integration ensures faster turnaround, fewer intermediaries, and consistent specs across batches.
- Customization Capabilities
- Many traditional suppliers have limited flexibility when it comes to particle sizes or alloy compositions.
- In contrast, alternative suppliers in China and Southeast Asia can tailor powders for specific applications such as binder jetting, SLM, or cold spray.
- Speed & Logistics
- With improved global logistics infrastructure, shipping lead times from Asia to Europe or North America can be as fast as 7–10 business days.
- Warehousing partnerships and bonded logistics zones further reduce customs delays.
- Innovation & Support
- New-generation suppliers like Shanghai Truer are investing in R&D, collaborating with universities and research institutions to support next-gen materials development.
- Their Joint Innovation Center for Metal 3D Printing provides enterprise partners with access to testing, prototyping, and engineering consultation.
Why Choose Shanghai Truer as Your 304 Powder Supplier
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd is rapidly becoming the supplier of choice for companies looking for consistency, innovation, and scalability in their 304 stainless steel powder sourcing. Since launching its additive manufacturing division in 2019, Truer has developed a unique ecosystem of powder production, equipment manufacturing, and deep technical expertise.
🔧 What Sets Shanghai Truer Apart:
| Feature | Benefit to B2B Clients |
|---|---|
| PREP & SEBM Equipment | In-house control of particle size, sphericity, purity |
| Custom Alloy Development | Tailored solutions for automotive, aerospace, and medical |
| R&D Collaboration | Joint innovation with top labs and universities |
| Full Traceability | From raw material to finished powder |
| Sustainability Focus | Low-oxygen processing, recycling capabilities |
| Global Client Base | Serving distributors and OEMs across Asia, Europe, and North America |
Whether you’re a large-scale distributor, a 3D printing service bureau, or a procurement manager for an industrial OEM, partnering with Shanghai Truer ensures that you get not just raw materials, but a strategic manufacturing partner.
👉 Learn more about their nickel alloy powders and other metal powder products available for wholesale distribution.
How to Order Wholesale 304 Powder from Shanghai Truer
Placing a wholesale order for 304 stainless steel powder with Shanghai Truer is a streamlined, professional process tailored to B2B clients. Here’s how to get started:
🛒 Step-by-Step Ordering Process:
- Submit a Quote Request
- Visit the Contact Us page or email the sales team with your specifications:
- Quantity (kg or tons)
- Particle size range
- Application (e.g., SLM, MIM, Binder Jetting)
- Packaging preferences
- Visit the Contact Us page or email the sales team with your specifications:
- Technical Consultation
- Shanghai Truer’s engineering team reviews your requirements and suggests the best powder type and production method (PREP or SEBM).
- If needed, samples can be provided.
- Quotation and Lead Time Confirmation
- Receive a detailed quote with:
- Technical datasheets
- Delivery time
- Shipping and handling options
- MOQ and payment terms
- Receive a detailed quote with:
- Order Confirmation & Production
- Once confirmed, powder production begins with full QA/QC monitoring.
- Batch test reports and certificates (e.g., ISO, composition analysis) are provided.
- Global Delivery
- Truer ships globally via trusted logistics partners.
- Orders are vacuum-packed for purity and safety.
👇 Sample Order Form Details:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Powder Type | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Quantity | 500 kg |
| Particle Size | 15–53 μm |
| Application | SLM 3D Printing |
| Packaging | 10 kg vacuum-sealed bottles |
| Shipping | DDP – Delivered Duty Paid |
For ongoing needs, clients can set up long-term supply contracts or schedule recurring monthly shipments. Truer also offers scale manufacturing support for clients transitioning from R&D to mass production.
FAQs: Common Questions About Buying Wholesale 304 Powder
To help wholesale buyers, procurement managers, and industrial engineers make informed purchasing decisions, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about sourcing and using 304 stainless steel powder in B2B applications.
❓ What is the typical particle size range of 304 powder used in 3D printing?
Particle size can vary depending on the production method and application. For selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM), the most common size range is:
- 15–53 μm for SLM
- 45–105 μm for EBM
Shanghai Truer offers customizable particle size distributions, produced via advanced PREP and SEBM technologies to ensure excellent flowability and consistency. Learn more about their powder portfolio here.
❓ What are the packaging options for large-volume orders?
Shanghai Truer provides flexible packaging solutions for bulk orders, including:
- Vacuum-sealed plastic bottles (1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg)
- Steel drums with nitrogen purge (25 kg, 50 kg)
- Custom containers upon request
All packaging is designed to protect against contamination and moisture, maintaining powder purity during transport and storage.
❓ How does Shanghai Truer ensure powder quality and consistency?
Shanghai Truer follows a rigorous quality control process that includes:
- In-house powder production using PREP and SEBM
- Real-time monitoring of oxygen and nitrogen levels
- Particle size analysis using laser diffraction
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphology checks
- Certificates of Analysis (CoA) with every batch
The company also partners with top research institutions to continuously improve powder performance through R&D. Read more about their innovation strategy here.
❓ Can I request a custom alloy or particle size?
Yes. Shanghai Truer specializes in custom alloy development for clients in aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. Customizations may include:
- Alloying elements (e.g., Mo, Nb, Cu)
- Particle size distribution
- Post-processing treatments
Custom formulations can be produced in small batches for prototyping or scaled up for full production. Contact the team here to request a technical consultation.
❓ What payment terms and lead times should I expect?
Typical B2B payment terms include:
- T/T (Telegraphic Transfer)
- L/C (Letter of Credit)
- Net 30–60 days for approved buyers
Lead times vary depending on the quantity and customization level:
- Stock powders: 5–7 business days
- Custom formulations: 10–15 business days
Shipping is available worldwide via air or sea freight, with full tracking provided.
❓ Can I get a sample before placing a large order?
Absolutely. Shanghai Truer offers sample quantities (typically 500g to 2kg) for testing and evaluation purposes. Samples are shipped with full technical documentation, including:
- CoA (Certificate of Analysis)
- SEM images
- Particle size report
To request a sample, visit the AM Printing contact page.
❓ Is 304 powder suitable for medical or food-grade applications?
Yes. 304 stainless steel is widely used in medical and food-processing applications due to its:
- Biocompatibility
- Corrosion resistance
- Compliance with FDA and EU standards
However, it’s essential to verify material traceability and testing certifications before use. Shanghai Truer provides documentation to support regulatory compliance.
❓ Does Shanghai Truer offer recurring supply contracts?
Yes. For OEMs, service bureaus, and distributors with ongoing needs, Shanghai Truer offers:
- Monthly or quarterly delivery schedules
- Volume discounts
- Inventory forecasting and buffer stock services
This ensures a stable, cost-effective supply chain for high-demand applications like 3D printing, MIM, and PM.
❓ Where can I learn more about 3D printing powders and industry updates?
You can explore technical articles, case studies, and market insights on Shanghai Truer’s official blog. Topics include:
- Latest advancements in additive manufacturing
- Powder performance comparisons
- Industry-specific material solutions
Final Thoughts
304 stainless steel powder represents a vital material in the evolving landscape of additive manufacturing and precision engineering. For B2B buyers, sourcing high-quality powder from a reliable partner is essential to maintaining production quality, cost efficiency, and innovation.
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd stands out as a trusted supplier, offering:
- High-performance spherical powders
- Custom alloy development
- Integrated powder production and equipment
- Global logistics and technical support
Whether you’re scaling your 3D printing operation or seeking a dependable wholesale partner for stainless steel powders, Shanghai Truer is ready to deliver unmatched value and expertise.
👉 Get started with a free consultation or request a sample on the AM Printing contact page.
