# Coatings & powder metallurgy Source: https://powdchem.com/applications/coatings-powder-metallurgy/ Page type: Application guide Applications Metal, alloy and composite powder inquiries for spray, compaction, sintering and additive processes, matched to the equipment and feedstock requirements. [Narrow your material choices]() [Ask about your requirement]() ## Will this powder be sprayed, melted or compacted? Start with the equipment and process. A familiar alloy designation alone does not qualify its powder form. Narrow your material shortlist | Your requirement | Start by comparing | What can change the choice | Explore materials | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A thermal-spray process feeds the powder | A spray grade with the right chemistry and particle window | Feedstock architecture affects feeding and melting. Choose the spray process before settling the powder specification. | [Tungsten carbide-cobalt powder (WC + Co)]()[Alumina-titania spray powder (Al2O3 + TiO2)]()[MCrAlY alloy powder (M-Cr-Al-Y; M = Ni, Co or Ni-Co)]() | | An additive process melts a powder bed or feed | A machine-compatible grade of the chosen alloy | The particle distribution, flow, oxygen and reuse limits need to fit the equipment; spherical appearance is only one check. | [AlSi10Mg alloy powder (Al-Si-Mg system)]()[Ti-6Al-4V alloy powder (Ti-Al-V system)]()[316L stainless steel powder (Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy / 316L)]() | | A press compacts the material before sintering | A powder-metallurgy grade or agreed blend | Compaction and sintering require their own density and composition controls. A pre-alloyed powder differs from an elemental blend. | [Bronze powder (Cu-Sn system)]()[Iron powder (Fe)]()[316L stainless steel powder (Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy / 316L)]() | Start with the task closest to yours. The examples identify material requests; a proposed grade still needs to fit your process and evaluation. ## Thermal spray Use the spray route and equipment window to define feedstock. Carbide-metal and oxide spray powders need different composition briefs. ### Materials to explore [Tungsten carbide-cobalt powder (WC + Co)]() [Tungsten carbide-cobalt-chromium powder (WC + Co-Cr)]() [Alumina-titania spray powder (Al2O3 + TiO2)]() [MCrAlY alloy powder (M-Cr-Al-Y; M = Ni, Co or Ni-Co)]() [Thermal Spray & Cermet Powders]() [Nickel & Cobalt Alloy Powders]() ### What changes the comparison Compare binder ratio, particle window and blended, fused/crushed or agglomerated/sintered structure. [Discuss this task]() ## Pressing and powder metallurgy Choose the element or alloy composition, then the powder form needed by compaction and sintering. ### Materials to explore [Bronze powder (Cu-Sn system)]() [Iron powder (Fe)]() [316L stainless steel powder (Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy / 316L)]() [Copper Alloy Powders]() [Iron & Magnetic Powders]() ### What changes the comparison Distinguish pre-alloyed powder from an elemental blend; record oxygen, flow and density methods as required. [Discuss this task]() ## Additive manufacturing Start with the required alloy and the machine powder window. AM means additive manufacturing; a spherical label alone does not qualify a powder for a machine. ### Materials to explore [AlSi10Mg alloy powder (Al-Si-Mg system)]() [Ti-6Al-4V alloy powder (Ti-Al-V system)]() [Nickel alloy 625 powder (Ni-Cr-Mo-Nb alloy / 625)]() [316L stainless steel powder (Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy / 316L)]() [Aluminum Alloy Powders]() [Titanium Alloy Powders]() [Nickel & Cobalt Alloy Powders]() [Iron & Magnetic Powders]() ### What changes the comparison Compare grade chemistry, particle distribution, production route and batch records against the equipment requirements. [Discuss this task]() ## Soldering and brazing Select the joining alloy and the materials being joined. Powder, ready-made paste and wire are separate supply forms. ### Materials to explore [Tin-silver-copper solder powder (Sn-Ag-Cu system)]() [Tin-bismuth solder powder (Sn-Bi system)]() [Silver-copper brazing powder (Ag-Cu system)]() [Solder & Brazing Powders]() ### What changes the comparison Include alloy ratio, particle-size classification and the joining process. [Discuss this task]() ## Prepare a useful comparison A reference datasheet or your existing material code is useful. If you are still exploring, describe what you are making and which result needs to change. - Alloy/composite grade and process - Particle window and feedstock architecture - Flow/density, oxygen and impurity limits - Equipment, substrate and evaluation plan [Prepare an application inquiry]()