Introduction: Why 4130 Powder Matters in Manufacturing
4130 powder, a low-alloy steel powder containing chromium and molybdenum, has become a staple in industrial-grade additive manufacturing (AM). Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, weldability, and cost-effectiveness, 4130 alloy is widely used in aerospace, automotive, defense, and tooling sectors.
With the rise of metal 3D printing, businesses are increasingly turning to spherical 4130 powder for applications requiring high-performance mechanical properties and reliable part integrity. Especially in B2B sectors, manufacturers, wholesale metal powder buyers, and part fabricators are sourcing 4130 powder in bulk to scale up production while maintaining material performance.
Key Properties of 4130 Alloy Powder:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | Fe-Cr-Mo alloy (approx. 0.3% C, 1% Cr, 0.2-0.4% Mo) |
| Tensile Strength | Up to 1080 MPa (annealed), higher if heat treated |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | 197–241 HB (annealed), can exceed 300 HB when hardened |
| Printability | High (ideal for laser and electron beam melting) |
Why It’s Important for B2B Buyers
- Consistency: 4130 powder offers predictable melting and solidification behavior, making it ideal for batch production.
- Cost-Efficiency: Compared to titanium or Inconel, 4130 is significantly more affordable while still offering high strength.
📌 Tip: Always verify powder morphology and particle size distribution (PSD) before placing wholesale orders.
Industrial Applications of 4130 Powder
4130 alloy powder is used extensively across industries where high strength and toughness matter. Its adaptability to post-processing techniques like heat treatment and welding further increases its industrial utility.
Top Applications by Industry:
1. Aerospace
- Aircraft frame components
- Landing gear parts
- High-strength brackets and mounts
2. Automotive
- Roll cages
- Suspension components
- Gearboxes and drive shafts
3. Defense & Firearms
- Gun barrels
- Weapon components
- Structural armor parts
4. Tooling & Molds
- High-wear dies
- Injection mold inserts
- Custom jigs and fixtures
“4130 powder’s excellent weldability and machinability make it a go-to material for custom tooling in additive manufacturing.”
Advantages in Additive Manufacturing (AM)
| Feature | Benefit in AM |
|---|---|
| Fine spherical particles | Excellent flowability and uniform layering |
| High green strength | Supports larger, complex geometries |
| Compatibility | Works well with SLM, DMLS, and EBM systems |
Types of 4130 Powder and Use Cases
Not all 4130 powders are created equal. Depending on the production method, particle morphology, and PSD, the performance can vary significantly. Here are the most common types used in industrial settings.
Classification by Production Method:
| Method | Characteristics | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Atomized | Spherical, clean surface, narrow PSD | Aerospace, tooling |
| Water Atomized | Irregular shape, wider PSD | Cost-sensitive applications |
| PREP (Plasma Rotating Electrode Process) | Highly spherical, low oxygen | High-performance AM |
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd offers gas atomized and PREP-grade 4130 powders, ensuring top-tier performance in critical applications. Their proprietary metal powder production lines support large-scale batch consistency, a key requirement for industrial buyers.
Choosing the Right Powder Size
| PSD Range | Recommended Application |
|---|---|
| 15–45 μm | Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) |
| 45–106 μm | Electron Beam Melting (EBM) |
| 106–150 μm | Direct Energy Deposition (DED) |
🔍 Note: Confirm PSD and oxygen content when working with aerospace-grade or defense parts.
Top Global and Regional Suppliers of 4130 Powder
For B2B buyers, selecting a reliable 4130 powder supplier is crucial not only for ensuring material quality but also for maintaining supply chain stability. Whether you’re a distributor, OEM, or AM service provider, sourcing from vetted manufacturers guarantees both performance and compliance.
Key Criteria to Evaluate Suppliers
When comparing potential partners, consider the following:
- Powder Morphology and PSD Certification
- ISO/AS9100/ITAR Certifications
- Batch-to-Batch Consistency
- Logistics and Delivery Capabilities
- Technical Support and Customization Services
Top 5 Suppliers of 4130 Alloy Powder
| Supplier | Region | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd | China | PREP & SEBM powder production, full customization, strong R&D partnerships |
| Praxair Surface Technologies | USA | Wide AM powder catalog, aerospace-grade quality |
| Höganäs AB | Sweden | Global distribution, established metallurgy expertise |
| AMETEK Specialty Metal Products | USA | High-purity alloy powders, quality certifications |
| TLS Technik | Germany | Precision atomization, European aerospace compliance |
🔗 Learn more about Shanghai Truer’s powder capabilities including nickel- and steel-based alloy powders.
Why More Buyers Are Turning to Alternative Supply Sources
As global supply chains continue to face challenges, B2B buyers are increasingly diversifying their sourcing strategies. Emerging markets and tech-driven companies are offering advanced powder-making technologies at competitive pricing.
Key Trends Driving Alternative Sourcing:
- Decentralization of Supply Chains: Companies are moving away from single-source dependency.
- Innovation from Asian Markets: Firms like Shanghai Truer are offering next-gen solutions with lower lead times.
- Cost-Efficiency with High Performance: Alternative suppliers are narrowing the quality gap with traditional Western producers.
Advantages of Working with Emerging Suppliers
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| In-house R&D | Custom alloys and particle sizes |
| Localized Production | Faster delivery and reduced tariffs |
| Vertical Integration | Full control from atomization to packaging |
“Shanghai Truer’s innovation platform, including a joint metal 3D printing center, enables them to deliver tailored powder solutions that meet stringent B2B requirements.”
Why Choose Shanghai Truer as Your 4130 Powder Supplier
Founded in 2009 and pivoted to additive manufacturing in 2019, Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd has quickly become a trusted name in high-quality metal powder production. Their unique capabilities, especially in PREP and SEBM technology, make them an ideal long-term partner for wholesale buyers and industrial manufacturers.
What Sets Shanghai Truer Apart?
- Advanced Powder Manufacturing Lines: Integration of PREP and SEBM for superior sphericity and purity.
- Diverse Alloy Portfolio: Beyond 4130, they offer TiNi, TiTa, TiAl, CoCrMo, and more.
- Custom Engineering Support: From powder testing to part prototyping.
- Global Logistics: Efficient export to North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
- R&D Partnership Network: Collaborations with top laboratories and research institutes.
Company Highlights:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Certification | ISO-compliant, aerospace-ready powders |
| Customization | Particle size, composition, and packaging |
| Service Model | From R&D to scale manufacturing |
| Technological Leadership | Joint Innovation Center for Metal 3D Printing |
📌 Visit their About Us page to explore their additive manufacturing capabilities and R&D infrastructure.
How to Order Wholesale 4130 Powder from Shanghai Truer
Ordering 4130 alloy powder in bulk from a trusted supplier like Shanghai Truer is a straightforward process — but one that benefits from detailed communication and customization. Their professional sales and engineering teams work closely with B2B clients to ensure every order meets specific performance and processing needs.
Step-by-Step Wholesale Ordering Process
- Initial Inquiry
- Contact via contact form or email to discuss material needs.
- Provide details such as:
- Desired particle size distribution (e.g., 15–45 μm for LPBF)
- Application (e.g., aerospace, automotive)
- Quantity required
- Packaging preferences
- Technical Consultation
- Truer’s technical team evaluates the application requirements and recommends the most suitable production method (e.g., PREP or SEBM).
- If needed, customized alloy compositions can be developed.
- Quotation & Sample
- Receive a detailed quotation including pricing, lead time, and logistics.
- Option to request a sample batch for testing and validation.
- Order Confirmation
- Confirm specifications, batch size, and delivery timeline.
- Sign a purchase agreement and arrange payment terms.
- Production & Quality Control
- Powder is produced under strict quality control protocols.
- Each batch includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) covering:
- Chemical composition
- Particle size distribution
- Flowability
- Apparent density
- Oxygen content
- Shipping & Delivery
- Global shipping with export documentation.
- Secure, moisture-proof packaging to preserve powder integrity.
- Post-Delivery Support
- Assistance with post-processing or performance troubleshooting.
- Option for reordering based on previous batch certification.
Benefits of Working with Shanghai Truer
✅ Fast turnaround for standard and custom orders
✅ Technical support for additive manufacturing optimization
✅ Integrated supply chain from powder production to part printing
🔗 Start your procurement process by visiting the official product page to explore available metal powders and request a free consultation.
FAQs: Common Questions About Buying Wholesale 4130 Powder
1. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for 4130 powder?
Most orders start at 10 kg for standard grades. For custom alloys or PSD, MOQs may vary depending on production requirements.
2. Can I request specific particle size distributions?
Yes. Shanghai Truer offers tailored PSDs such as 15–45 μm for LPBF and 45–106 μm for EBM. Custom sieving is also available.
3. Does 4130 powder come with quality certifications?
Absolutely. Every batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and the powders meet ISO and ASTM standards for additive manufacturing.
4. How long is the lead time for bulk orders?
Lead times typically range from 2 to 4 weeks depending on order size and customization level.
5. Is technical support available post-purchase?
Yes. Shanghai Truer provides full lifecycle support including powder usage consultation, post-processing guidance, and reordering assistance.
6. Can I visit the production facility?
Yes. Factory visits can be arranged for large-volume buyers and strategic partners. Virtual tours are also available upon request.
7. Do you provide other alloy powders besides 4130?
Yes. Their catalog includes titanium alloys (TiAl, TiNi), cobalt alloys (CoCrMo), and nickel-based superalloys. Explore their full powder range for more options.
📘 Explore More Resources:
Visit the official Shanghai Truer Blog for in-depth articles on additive manufacturing trends, powder selection guides, and case studies from real clients across aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
By choosing Shanghai Truer as your wholesale 4130 powder supplier, you’re partnering with a company that combines cutting-edge technology, robust quality control, and personalized customer service — all essential for success in metal additive manufacturing.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to request a quote or schedule a consultation.
