1. Introduction: Why Maraging Steel Powder Matters in Modern Manufacturing
Maraging steel powder is a high-performance material widely used in aerospace, tooling, defense, and high-strength industrial applications. Known for its ultra-high strength, excellent toughness, and heat treatability without distortion, maraging steel is a top choice for additive manufacturing (AM) and powder metallurgy (PM) industries.
Key Benefits of Maraging Steel Powder
- Ultra-high tensile strength (up to 2,000 MPa)
- Good dimensional stability during heat treatment
- Excellent machinability in the annealed condition
- Superior weldability and corrosion resistance
- Ideal for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and metal injection molding (MIM)
Note for B2B Buyers: Maraging steel powder delivers a unique combination of strength and ductility, making it an ideal material for high-precision and load-bearing components.
Common Industries Using Maraging Steel Powder
| Industry | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Engine components, landing gear, structural parts |
| Automotive | High-stress gears, shafts, and drivetrain components |
| Tooling | Injection molds, die-casting tools, punches |
| Defense | Missile components, structural reinforcements |
| Additive MFG | 3D printed molds, functional prototypes, and end-use parts |
2. Industrial Applications of Maraging Steel Powder
Maraging steel powder is uniquely suited for high-strength and high-precision applications. Its exceptional mechanical properties make it a mainstay in multiple industrial verticals.
Application Areas in Detail
Aerospace and Aviation
- Lightweight, high-strength structural components
- Jet engine parts requiring dimensional stability under thermal stress
- Tailor-made parts produced via 3D printing
Tool and Die Industry
- Injection mold cores and cavities for thermoplastics
- Hot and cold working tools
- Die-casting dies and high-wear punches
Defense and Military
- Critical components for missiles and armored vehicles
- Wear-resistant parts exposed to extreme forces
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- Functional end-use components
- Complex geometries for prototyping and production
- Customized, low-volume part fabrication
Benefits for Additive Manufacturing Suppliers
- High powder flowability and uniform particle size
- Excellent sintering and layering behavior
- Reduced post-processing due to minimal distortion
Maraging Steel Powder in 3D Printing
| Feature | Benefit for 3D Printing Manufacturers |
|---|---|
| Consistent particle morphology | Ensures even layer deposition and sintering |
| Narrow particle size distribution | Improves surface finish and mechanical properties |
| High purity and low oxygen content | Enhances final part integrity |
For more detailed specifications, visit our PM Powder Product Page.
3. Types and Grades of Maraging Steel Powder
Maraging steel powders are typically classified by grade, with the most common being 18Ni (300, 250, 200), indicating nickel content and strength levels. Each grade offers specific advantages tailored to industrial needs.
Common Grades
| Grade | Nickel Content | UTS (MPa) | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18Ni (300) | ~18% | ~2,000 | Highest strength, best for aerospace |
| 18Ni (250) | ~18% | ~1,700 | Balanced strength and toughness |
| 18Ni (200) | ~18% | ~1,400 | Good machinability, moderate strength |
Powder Production Methods
| Method | Description | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Atomization | Melts atomized by inert gas, forming spherical particles | High purity, excellent flowability |
| Water Atomization | Water used to atomize molten steel into fine powders | Cost-effective, irregular particles |
| Combined Atomization | Hybrid of gas and water atomization | Customizable particle shapes |
At Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd, we offer maraging steel powders produced via gas atomization and hybrid atomization techniques to meet the highest industry standards.
Customization for B2B Clients
- Custom particle size distributions (15–45μm, 45–105μm, etc.)
- Tailored alloy compositions
- Special packaging for moisture-sensitive applications
Truer Technology’s R&D team works closely with clients to develop powders suited for specific process parameters—ensuring optimal results for every application.
4. Market Trends and Growth Potential in Maraging Steel
Global Outlook
The maraging steel powder market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the rising adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) across aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors. The global AM market is projected to reach $35 billion by 2028, with high-strength metal powders like maraging steel taking center stage in high-performance applications.
Market Growth Drivers
- Increased Demand for 3D Printing in Aerospace
Lightweight, strong components made from maraging steel are replacing traditional machined parts. - Tooling Industry Modernization
Maraging steel powder enables faster turnaround for mold and die production using metal AM. - Defense Investments
Governments are investing heavily in advanced materials for high-performance military applications. - Asian Manufacturing Boom
China and Southeast Asia have become key manufacturing hubs, increasing regional demand for high-quality maraging steel powder.
Global Market Size Forecast
| Year | Market Value (USD Billion) | CAGR (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.2 | — |
| 2025 | 2.4 | 16.2% |
| 2028 | 4.7 | 17.5% |
B2B Buyer Trends
- OEMs now prefer direct sourcing from powder manufacturers to reduce supply chain risk.
- Distributors seek stable quality and custom packaging for resale in niche markets.
- E-commerce sellers are offering smaller batch sizes for research and prototyping labs.
📌 Related Read: Learn more about our company background and capabilities in high-performance powder metallurgy.
5. Key Factors When Choosing a Maraging Steel Powder Supplier
Choosing the right supplier is critical for ensuring consistent performance, timely delivery, and technical support. Here’s what B2B buyers, OEMs, and powder distributors should consider:
1. Powder Quality & Consistency
- Particle Morphology: Should be spherical with minimal satellites.
- Purity: Low oxygen and nitrogen content for high mechanical performance.
- PSD (Particle Size Distribution): Should match machine specs (15–45μm for LPBF, 45–105μm for DED).
2. Manufacturing Capabilities
- Does the supplier use gas atomization or hybrid atomization?
- Can they customize alloy compositions and particle size?
3. Certifications & Standards
| Standard/Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 9001 | General quality management |
| AS9100 | Aerospace quality standard |
| Material traceability | Required for defense and aerospace |
4. Technical Support & Customization
- In-house R&D team for tailored solutions
- Engineering support for AM process optimization
- Batch-specific data sheets and testing reports
5. Logistics & Packaging
- Moisture-controlled packaging
- Custom sizing for bulk or sample orders
- Export-ready documentation
B2B Tip:
Always request a COA (Certificate of Analysis) and PSD report before placing a large order. This reduces the risk of incompatibility with your AM machine or sintering process.
6. Top Global and Chinese Maraging Steel Powder Suppliers
Here are some of the key players in the global maraging steel powder supply chain:
Global Leaders
| Supplier Name | Country | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Höganäs AB | Sweden | Wide range of PM and AM powders |
| Carpenter Additive | USA | High-performance maraging steels |
| Sandvik Osprey | UK | Gas-atomized metal powders |
| Aubert & Duval | France | Aerospace-grade AM powders |
Leading Chinese Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd | Wide maraging steel range, custom powders |
| CNPC Powder | Large-scale production, cost-effective |
| Changsha Hualiu Metal Powder Co. | Specialty metal powders for AM |
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd – A Trusted Chinese Supplier
Established in 2009, Shanghai Truer entered the additive manufacturing space in 2019. With a focus on R&D and customization, the company offers a full range of maraging steel powders produced through gas and hybrid atomization.
✅ ISO-Certified
✅ Custom particle size distribution
✅ Low oxygen and nitrogen content
✅ Widely used in aerospace, tooling, and defense
Product Range from Truer
| Maraging Steel Type | Production Method | Particle Size Options |
|---|---|---|
| 18Ni (300) | Gas / Hybrid Atomized | 15–45μm, 45–105μm |
| 18Ni (250) | Gas Atomized | Customizable |
| Custom Alloys | On Request | Based on customer specs |
Truer also offers complete additive solutions, including lubricants, cutting agents, and magnetic additives—making them a one-stop solution for powder metallurgy clients.
👍 Explore the full range of PM powders available from Shanghai Truer.
7. Why More Buyers Are Turning to Chinese Manufacturers
In recent years, global buyers—including OEMs, distributors, and e-commerce sellers—have increasingly sourced maraging steel powder from Chinese suppliers. This trend is driven by a combination of technological advancements, cost efficiency, and improved quality control in China’s powder metallurgy industry.
Key Reasons B2B Buyers Prefer Chinese Suppliers
1. Competitive Pricing
China offers significant cost advantages due to:
- Economies of scale in raw material processing
- Lower operational and labor costs
- Vertical integration among powder metallurgy manufacturers
2. Full Customization Capabilities
| Customization Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Particle Size Distribution | 15–45μm, 45–105μm, or customer-specified |
| Alloy Composition | Custom Ni, Co, Mo, Ti content |
| Packaging | Moisture-proof, nitrogen-filled, or OEM branded |
| Production Method | Choose between gas, water, or hybrid atomization |
3. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Chinese manufacturers such as Shanghai Truer Technology have invested heavily in R&D and automation. Their facilities often include:
- State-of-the-art gas atomization systems
- Real-time powder morphology analysis
- In-house metallurgy labs for QC and alloy development
4. Strong After-Sales and Technical Support
Chinese suppliers are now offering:
- English-speaking support teams
- Technical engineers for AM process optimization
- Fast response times and overseas warehousing options
📌 Learn more about Truer’s company focus and values on their About Us page.
8. Why Choose Shanghai Truer Technology
Shanghai Truer Technology Co., Ltd is a leading maraging steel powder manufacturer in China, with a strong reputation in the B2B market for precision powders, technical expertise, and responsive service.
Company Overview
- Founded in: 2009
- AM Division launched: 2019
- Core focus: Powder Metallurgy & Additive Manufacturing
- Certifications: ISO 9001, RoHS, REACH compliant
What Sets Truer Apart?
✅ Comprehensive Product Selection
Truer offers a wide variety of maraging steel and PM powders including:
- PM Bronze, Nickel Silver, Brass
- PM Iron, Steel, Copper-Steel
- Maraging Steel (18Ni-300, 250, 200 grades)
✅ Advanced Production Capabilities
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Gas Atomization | Produces highly spherical, low-oxygen powders |
| Water Atomization | Cost-effective option for standard grades |
| Hybrid Atomization | Combines benefits of gas and water methods |
✅ Tailored B2B Solutions
- Custom powder specs for AM and MIM applications
- Technical consulting and materials engineering
- Flexible MOQ for R&D to bulk production runs
- Private-label packaging for distributors
✅ Full Additives Division
In addition to steel powders, Truer also provides:
- Lubricants: Lube-W, SUW-8000
- Cutting agents: SME-100 (sulfur-free), TD-8
- Soft magnetic additives: QH-150
- Graphite products: TBC-400, TBC-1000
📌 View their full PM powder product range to explore available options.
9. How to Order Wholesale Maraging Steel Powder from China
Ready to source maraging steel powder in bulk? Here’s a step-by-step guide for B2B buyers looking to work with Shanghai Truer Technology.
Step-by-Step Ordering Process
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit Inquiry via Website | Use the Contact Page |
| 2 | Share Technical Specs | Particle size, application, quantity, etc. |
| 3 | Receive Technical Datasheet (TDS) and COA | Review for compatibility |
| 4 | Sample Order (Optional) | For test runs or R&D |
| 5 | Confirm Bulk Order and Payment Terms | Usually 30% upfront, balance before shipment |
| 6 | Production and Quality Control | Lead time typically 7–14 days |
| 7 | Final Packaging and International Shipping | Export documents and MSDS included |
Accepted Payment Methods
- Bank Transfer (T/T)
- L/C (for large or long-term contracts)
- PayPal (for small sample orders)
Shipping Options
- EXW, FOB Shanghai, or CIF to your port
- Air freight for urgent sample orders
- Sea freight for bulk orders
Truer offers full export support and can assist with customs documentation, certificates of origin, and HS code classification.
FAQs: Common Questions About Buying Maraging Steel Powder
Q1: What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ) from Shanghai Truer?
A: MOQs are flexible. For standard grades, 10kg is accepted for testing or R&D. For customized powders, MOQ starts at 50kg.
Q2: Can I get a custom particle size distribution?
A: Yes. Truer offers PSDs such as 15–45μm for LPBF and 45–105μm for Directed Energy Deposition (DED). Custom sizes are available upon request.
Q3: What purity levels does Truer’s maraging steel powder offer?
A: Oxygen content is typically <0.02%, and nitrogen <0.01%, ideal for aerospace and tooling applications.
Q4: How do I ensure compatibility with my 3D printer or MIM process?
A: Truer provides technical datasheets, COA, and can recommend appropriate grades based on your equipment and end-use.
Q5: Does Shanghai Truer ship internationally?
A: Yes. Truer has shipped to North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Export packaging and documentation are included.
📌 Learn more about Truer’s full range of metal powders and additive solutions.
📩 Have a specific requirement? Contact us today for a quote or technical consultation.
