Introduction: Why 440 Powder is in High Demand
440 stainless steel powder, commonly referred to as 440 powder, is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel alloy known for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. It’s widely used in the production of cutting tools, bearings, injection molds, and 3D printed components.
In B2B manufacturing and additive industries, the demand for 440 powder has surged due to its compatibility with metal injection molding (MIM), selective laser melting (SLM), and electron beam melting (EBM) processes. For wholesale buyers, suppliers, and additive manufacturing professionals, sourcing high-purity, spherical 440 stainless steel powder is critical to ensure durability and performance in end products.
Key Characteristics of 440 Stainless Steel Powder:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | Typically contains 16–18% Cr, 0.95–1.20% C |
| Hardness | Up to HRC 60 after heat treatment |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate (lower than austenitic grades) |
| Processing Compatibility | Suitable for AM, MIM, HIP, and PM processes |
| Applications | Bearings, surgical tools, molds, knives, machine parts |
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of high-performance 3D printing metal powders, including 440 stainless steel powder. With advanced PREP and SEBM powder production equipment, Truer ensures exceptional powder quality, ideal for industrial-scale additive manufacturing.
Industrial Applications of 440 Powder
440 stainless steel powder is widely adopted across various industries for its combination of hardness, wear resistance, and fair corrosion resistance. Below are the major sectors and components that utilize this alloy in powder form:
1. Tooling and Cutting Instruments
- Used in the production of:
- Surgical scalpels
- Industrial blades
- Machine knives
- Offers excellent edge retention and wear resistance
2. Aerospace and Automotive Components
- Applied in:
- Valve components
- Fuel injector parts
- High-wear bushings
- Can withstand high mechanical stress and thermal cycling
3. Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
- Ideal for mass production of small, complex parts
- High density and uniformity improve mechanical properties
4. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- Compatible with:
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Enables the creation of lattice structures and lightweight parts with high precision
5. Medical and Surgical Tools
- Biocompatibility with surface treatment
- Used in orthopedic tool manufacturing
🔍 Looking for consistent, spherical 440 powder? Explore our product catalog to access high-quality stainless steel powders for industrial applications.
Grades and Types of 440 Stainless Steel Powders
440 stainless steel is available in multiple grades, each tailored for different industrial requirements. The most common grades include 440A, 440B, and 440C.
| Grade | Carbon Content (%) | Key Characteristics | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 440A | ~0.75 | Good corrosion resistance, fair hardness | Food processing tools, surgical instruments |
| 440B | ~0.90 | Balanced hardness and corrosion resistance | Bearings, valve parts |
| 440C | ~1.20 | Highest hardness, wear resistance | Cutting tools, dies, high-precision parts |
Powder Morphology and Particle Size Distribution
High-quality 440 powders for additive manufacturing and MIM must meet the following specifications:
- Spherical morphology: Ensures optimal flowability and layer uniformity
- Narrow PSD (15–45 µm for AM): Enhances laser absorption and part density
- Low oxygen content (<0.03%): Prevents porosity and structural defects
Shanghai Truer uses its proprietary Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP) and Selective Electron Beam Melting (SEBM) to produce highly spherical and pure powder particles. These methods reduce contamination and deliver consistent quality across every batch.
| Production Method | Powder Shape | Oxygen Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PREP | Highly Spherical | <0.03% | Aerospace, Medical |
| SEBM | Spherical | Very Low | High-density AM parts |
| Gas Atomization | Irregular | ~0.05% | General industrial use |
👉 Learn more about Truer’s powder manufacturing capabilities, including custom alloy options and powder sizing.
Top Global Suppliers of 440 Stainless Steel Powder
When sourcing 440 stainless steel powder for industrial use, choosing a reputable supplier is crucial to ensure consistent quality, timely delivery, and strong after-sales support. Below are some of the top global suppliers known for their advanced production technologies and extensive experience in the additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy sectors.
1. Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd. (China)
Shanghai Truer is a rising leader in the global 3D printing powder market. Established in 2009 and launching its additive manufacturing division in 2019, the company specializes in:
- Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP)
- Selective Electron Beam Melting (SEBM)
- High-purity 440 powder for AM and MIM
- Customized powder production and OEM services
With a dedication to R&D and innovation, Truer has built a Joint Innovation Center for Metal 3D Printing and collaborates with top labs and research institutions. Known for its consistent particle morphology, narrow size distribution, and low oxygen content, Truer is increasingly chosen by B2B buyers across aerospace, medical, and industrial tooling sectors.
2. Carpenter Additive (USA)
A division of Carpenter Technology Corporation, Carpenter Additive offers a wide range of metal powders, including 440C stainless steel. Their powder is known for:
- Gas atomized production
- ISO-certified quality control
- Supply chain support in North America and Europe
3. Höganäs AB (Sweden)
Höganäs is one of the oldest and most trusted names in metal powder manufacturing. Their 440C powder is widely used in automotive and MIM applications. Key offerings include:
- Versatile particle size options
- Global distribution network
- Technical support for powder metallurgy processes
4. Sandvik Additive Manufacturing (Sweden)
Sandvik offers premium quality metal powders with high traceability. Their 440C stainless steel options are used in demanding applications. Special features:
- Vacuum melting and inert gas atomization
- Clean metal handling
- Application support for AM and HIP
5. Tekna Advanced Materials (Canada)
Primarily known for its plasma atomization technology, Tekna manufactures highly spherical and pure metal powders. While not a primary supplier of 440C, they offer custom solutions upon request.
Why More Buyers Are Choosing Alternative Supply Sources
As global demand for stainless steel powders — especially in 3D printing and MIM industries — increases, buyers are exploring alternative sources beyond traditional Western suppliers. Here’s why more B2B buyers are turning to innovative suppliers like Shanghai Truer:
1. Shorter Lead Times and Responsive Service
Traditional suppliers often have long lead times due to high demand and limited production capacity. Emerging suppliers like Truer offer:
- Faster turnaround on orders
- Flexible MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities)
- Regional warehousing for quicker delivery
2. Competitive Pricing
By leveraging local raw materials, energy, and labor resources, suppliers like Truer offer highly competitive pricing without compromising quality.
| Supplier Type | Average Lead Time | Pricing (per kg) | Customization Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Western | 4–6 weeks | $60–$100 | Limited |
| Shanghai Truer | 1–3 weeks | $40–$70 | Yes |
3. Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Truer’s investment in PREP and SEBM technology enables:
- Uniform particle morphology
- Lower oxygen and impurity levels
- Batch-to-batch consistency
These factors are critical to industries like aerospace and medical, where even slight material variations can lead to product failures.
✨ Ready to scale production with better cost efficiency? Contact us today to discuss your wholesale 440 powder requirements.
Why Choose Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd.
When it comes to sourcing 440 stainless steel powder, Shanghai Truer stands out as a trusted partner for B2B enterprises, OEMs, and additive manufacturers.
1. Expertise in Additive Manufacturing
Truer is more than just a powder supplier — it’s a full-solution partner for additive manufacturing. The company offers:
- Powder production equipment design and manufacturing
- Custom alloy development
- Post-processing and testing services
This end-to-end capability allows clients to streamline their supply chain and reduce costs.
2. High-Quality Powder Production
Truer’s 440 powder is characterized by:
- Spherical shape for optimal flowability
- Narrow particle size distribution (15–53μm or 45–105μm)
- Extremely low oxygen content (<0.03%)
These features ensure superior performance in:
- SLM and EBM printing
- MIM and HIP processes
- High-density sintered parts
3. Customization and Technical Support
Unlike many mass-market suppliers, Truer works closely with clients to meet specific technical and volume requirements. Services include:
- Tailored particle size ranges
- Customized alloy composition
- Rapid prototyping samples
- Batch certification and testing reports
| Feature | Shanghai Truer |
|---|---|
| Powder Type | 440C Stainless Steel |
| Particle Size Range | 15–53μm (AM), 45–105μm (PM/MIM) |
| Purity & Oxygen Control | 99.9% purity, <0.03% oxygen |
| Production Methods | PREP, SEBM |
| MOQ and Lead Time | Flexible MOQ, 7–15 days |
| Certification | ISO 9001, Custom Test Reports |
✅ Explore Truer’s full range of metal powders including TiNi, CoCrMo, TiAl, and more — all manufactured under strict quality control systems.
How to Order Wholesale 440 Powder from Shanghai Truer
Ordering wholesale 440 stainless steel powder from Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd. is a streamlined process designed to meet the needs of distributors, OEMs, and additive manufacturing service providers. Whether you’re sourcing for aerospace components, medical tools, or high-strength MIM parts, Truer provides a reliable and flexible ordering system.
Step-by-Step Ordering Process
- Submit an Inquiry
- Visit the Contact Page to submit your request.
- Provide details such as:
- Desired grade (e.g., 440C)
- Particle size range (e.g., 15–45μm for AM)
- Quantity (MOQ starts from 10kg for trials)
- Intended application (helps optimize recommendations)
- Receive Quotation and Technical Datasheet
- Within 24–48 hours, Truer’s technical sales team will reply with:
- Price per kg
- Lead time
- Technical datasheet
- Shipping options and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW)
- Within 24–48 hours, Truer’s technical sales team will reply with:
- Sample or Trial Order (Optional)
- For new buyers, sample batches (1–5 kg) can be arranged for testing.
- Each sample includes:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- PSD, flowability, tap density, and oxygen content report
- Formal Purchase Order
- Once the quotation is approved, you can issue a formal PO.
- Payment terms: T/T, L/C, or negotiable for long-term buyers
- Production and Quality Control
- Lead time: 7–15 days depending on order size
- Every batch undergoes strict QC:
- SEM analysis
- ICP-OES for elemental composition
- Oxygen/nitrogen/hydrogen testing
- Shipping and Delivery
- Packing: Vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags in protective drums
- Shipping via DHL, FedEx, sea freight, or air cargo
- Export documents included:
- MSDS
- COA
- RoHS/REACH Compliance (if required)
Order Fulfillment Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| MOQ | 10 kg (customizable) |
| Lead Time | 7–15 working days |
| Express Delivery | 3–5 days (via DHL/FedEx for samples) |
| Packaging Options | 1kg, 5kg, 25kg drums |
| Certifications Provided | ISO, COA, MSDS, RoHS upon request |
| Custom Alloy Development | Available for recurring clients |
💡 Want to test before committing to full-scale production? Ask about our sample powder packs for performance evaluation.
FAQs: Common Questions About Buying Wholesale 440 Powder
Below are some frequently asked questions from buyers, distributors, and engineers looking to source 440 stainless steel powder for industrial use:
1. What is the shelf life of 440 stainless steel powder?
- When stored in a vacuum-sealed container under dry conditions, the shelf life exceeds 12 months without degradation in flowability or purity.
2. Can I request a specific particle size range?
- Yes. Truer offers customization such as:
- 15–45μm for SLM/EBM
- 45–105μm for MIM and PM
- 106–150μm for HIP or large sintering parts
3. Is Truer’s 440 powder certified for aerospace or medical use?
- The powder complies with ISO 9001 and can be tailored to meet ASTM and AMS standards. Application-specific certification (e.g., ASTM A276, F75) is available upon request.
4. Do you offer technical consultation for AM process optimization?
- Yes. Truer provides personalized support including:
- Build parameter optimization
- Powder reuse strategy
- Build defect troubleshooting
5. How do you ensure consistent powder quality?
- Each batch is tested using:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Laser diffraction for PSD
- Oxygen/nitrogen analysis (LECO)
- Flow rate and tap density testing
6. Can I become a distributor of Truer powders in my region?
- Yes, Truer is actively seeking global distribution partners. Contact the sales team via the official website to discuss business opportunities.
Conclusion: Power Your Production with 440 Powder from Truer
440 stainless steel powder is a critical material for industries that demand high hardness, wear resistance, and precision. Whether you’re manufacturing surgical instruments, aerospace components, or high-strength tools, sourcing from a reliable supplier like Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd. ensures consistent quality, cost-efficiency, and technical support.
With a dedicated R&D team, advanced powder production equipment (PREP, SEBM), and a strong commitment to customer success, Truer is the trusted partner for B2B buyers around the world. From one-off samples to bulk shipments, Truer delivers performance and precision — every time.
🔗 Explore our complete metal powder portfolio
📞 Ready to start? Get in touch with our sales team for a custom quote today.
📚 Want to learn more? Visit our blog for insights into additive manufacturing trends, powder technologies, and case studies.
