GH4169 Powder for Additive Manufacturing

GH4169 powder is a precipitation hardening stainless steel powder designed to provide high strength, hardness and corrosion resistance after heat treatment. It contains 17% chromium along with nickel, aluminum, titanium, and niobium additions for enhanced mechanical and corrosion properties.

Key characteristics of GH4169 powder:

GH4169 Powder Properties

Properties	Details
Composition	Fe-17Cr-4Ni-1.5Ti-0.7Al-0.25Nb alloy
Density	7.9 g/cc
Particle shape	Irregular, angular
Size range	10-150 microns
Apparent density	Up to 50% of true density
Flowability	Moderate
Strength	Very high after aging treatment
Corrosion resistance	Excellent, including marine environments

GH4169’s exceptional strength-to-weight ratio combined with outstanding corrosion resistance make it suitable for critical structural parts across aerospace, marine, nuclear and other demanding applications.

GH4169 Powder Composition

Typical composition of GH4169 precipitation hardening stainless steel:

GH4169 Powder Composition

Element	Weight %
Iron (Fe)	Balance
Chromium (Cr)	16-18%
Nickel (Ni)	3.5-5.5%
Titanium (Ti)	1.2-1.8%
Aluminum (Al)	0.3-1.2%
Niobium (Nb)	0.15-0.45%
Carbon (C)	0.04% max
Silicon (Si), Manganese (Mn)	1% max each

• Iron provides the ferritic matrix
• Chromium improves corrosion and oxidation resistance
• Nickel, aluminum, titanium and niobium facilitate precipitation hardening
• Carbon and other elements limited as tramp impurities

The composition is designed to maximize the precipitation hardening response and corrosion resistance required in structural applications.

GH4169 Powder Physical Properties

GH4169 Powder Physical Properties

Property	Values
Density	7.9 g/cc
Melting point	1400-1450°C
Electrical resistivity	0.80 μΩ-m
Thermal conductivity	12 W/mK
Thermal expansion	12 x 10^-6 /K
Maximum service temperature	650°C

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Retains strength and hardness up to 650°C
• Relatively low thermal conductivity
• Resistivity increases after precipitation hardening
• Moderate expansion coefficient

The properties allow use of GH4169 in load bearing structural applications requiring corrosion resistance and high temperature strength.

GH4169 Powder Mechanical Properties

GH4169 Powder Mechanical Properties

Property	Condition	Values
Hardness	Solution annealed	90 HRB
Hardness	Peak aged	40-45 HRC
Tensile strength	Annealed	550-750 MPa
Tensile strength	Peak aged	1300-1600 MPa
Yield strength	Peak aged	1100-1400 MPa
Elongation	Peak aged	8-13%

• Ages to high strength levels exceeding other precipitation hardening stainless steels
• Retains good ductility in peak aged condition
• Significant increase in hardness after aging treatment
• Strength can be tailored through aging time and temperature

These properties make GH4169 suitable for lightweight, high strength structural parts needing corrosion resistance.

GH4169 Powder Applications

Typical applications for GH4169 precipitation hardening stainless steel powder include:

GH4169 Powder Applications

Industry	Example Uses
Aerospace	Airframe and engine components, fasteners
Marine	Shafts, fixtures, solenoids, valves
Nuclear	Fuel element cladding, internal structures
Oil and gas	Structural parts for wellheads, offshore platforms
Chemical	Process equipment like vessels and pipes

Some specific uses:

• Bolts, nuts, screws, and studs needing high strength
• Critical rotating shaft components
• Valve and pump bodies used in corrosive environments
• Mixing equipment like impellers and agitators
• Nuclear fuel element cladding and vessel internals

GH4169 provides an exceptional combination of strength, hardness and corrosion resistance required in critical structural parts across demanding industries.

GH4169 Powder Specifications

Key specifications for GH4169 powder include:

GH4169 Powder Standards

Standard	Description
AMS 5922	Precipitation hardening stainless steel powder for aerospace parts
ASTM A580	Standard for precipitation hardening stainless steel wire
ASTM A638	Standard for precipitation hardening iron-based superalloys
AMS 5898	Bars, forgings, rings of precipitation hardening stainless steels

These define:

• Chemical composition of GH4169 alloy
• Permissible impurities like C, S and P
• Required mechanical properties in different conditions
• Approved powder production methods
• Compliance testing protocols
• Quality assurance requirements

Powder produced to these standards ensures optimal aging response, ductility, and corrosion resistance.

GH4169 Powder Particle Sizes

GH4169 Powder Particle Size Distribution

Particle Size	Characteristics
10-22 microns	Ultrafine grade for high density
22-75 microns	Most commonly used size range
75-150 microns	Coarser sizes for improved flowability

• Finer particles promote higher sintered density
• Coarser particles improve powder flow into die cavities
• Gas atomization and water atomization both used
• Size distribution tailored to final part properties needed

Controlling particle size distribution optimizes pressing behavior, final density, and mechanical performance.

GH4169 Powder Apparent Density

GH4169 Powder Apparent Density

Apparent density	Details
Up to 50% of true density	For irregular powder morphology
4.5-5.5 g/cc	Higher for spherical powders

• Spherical powders provide higher apparent density
• Irregular particles have density around 45%
• Higher apparent density improves powder flow and compressibility
• Allows higher green density after compaction

Higher powder apparent density leads to better manufacturing productivity and part performance.

GH4169 Powder Production Method

GH4169 Powder Production

Method	Details
Gas atomization	High pressure inert gas breaks up molten metal stream into fine droplets
Water atomization	High pressure water jet breaks metal into fine particles
Vacuum induction melting	High purity input materials melted under vacuum
Multiple remelting	Improves chemical homogeneity
Sieving	Classifies powder into different particle size ranges

• Gas atomization provides spherical powder shape
• Water atomization is lower cost but irregular particles
• Vacuum processing minimizes gaseous impurities
• Post-processing allows particle size control

Fully automated methods combined with strict quality control ensure reliable and consistent powder suitable for critical applications.

GH4169 Powder Pricing

GH4169 Powder Pricing

Factor	Impact on Price
Powder grade	Higher purity increases cost
Particle size and shape	Fine spherical powder most expensive
Order quantity	Price decreases with larger volumes
Additional processing	Services like sieving adds cost
Testing requirements	More rigorous testing increases cost

Indicative Pricing

• Irregular GH4169 powder: $18-24 per kg
• Spherical GH4169 powder: $22-30 per kg
• Large volume pricing can be 25-35% lower

Pricing depends on purity level, powder characteristics, order volume and additional processing required.

GH4169 Powder Suppliers

GH4169 Powder Suppliers

Company	Location
Carpenter Additive	USA
Erasteel	USA, Europe
Sandvik Osprey	UK
Aubert & Duval	France
CNPC Powder Group	China
Jingdong New Material	China

Selection factors include:

• Powder grades produced
• Production capacity and lead times
• Powder quality and consistency
• Testing capability and reporting
• Pricing and minimum order quantity
• Experience serving targeted industries

GH4169 Powder Handling and Storage

GH4169 Powder Handling

Recommendation	Reason
Ensure proper ventilation	Prevent exposure to fine metallic particles
Avoid ignition sources	Powder can combust in oxygen atmosphere
Follow safe protocols	Reduce health and fire hazards
Use non-sparking tools	Prevent possibility of ignition
Store sealed containers	Prevent contamination or oxidation

Storage Recommendations

• Store in stable containers in a dry, cool area
• Limit exposure to moisture and acids
• Maintain temperatures below 30°C

With proper precautions during handling and storage, GH4169 powder remains stable and safe to work with.

GH4169 Powder Inspection and Testing

GH4169 Powder Testing

Test	Details
Chemical analysis	ICP and XRF verify composition
Particle size analysis	Determines particle size distribution
Apparent density	Measured as per ASTM B212 standard
Powder morphology	SEM imaging of particle shape
Flow rate testing	Gravity flow rate through specified funnel
Loss on ignition	Determines moisture content

Testing ensures the powder meets the required composition, particle characteristics, density specifications, morphology and flow rate as per applicable standards.

GH4169 Powder Pros and Cons

Advantages of GH4169 Powder

• Exceptional strength after precipitation hardening
• Retains good ductility in peak aged condition
• Excellent corrosion resistance including marine environments
• High strength maintained up to 650°C
• Good combinations of properties for critical structural parts
• More cost-effective than superalloys

Limitations of GH4169 Powder

• Requires careful heat treatment for optimal properties
• Lower fracture toughness than austenitic steels
• Subject to sensitization during improper welding
• Limited cold heading and forming capability
• Strength and corrosion resistance not as high as superalloys
• Price higher than common stainless steel grades

Comparison With 17-4PH and 15-5PH Powder

GH4169 vs. 17-4PH and 15-5PH Powder

Parameter	GH4169	17-4PH	15-5PH
Density	7.9 g/cc	7.7 g/cc	7.8 g/cc
Hardness	40-45 HRC	38-45 HRC	36-42 HRC
Tensile strength	1300-1600 MPa	1200-1450 MPa	1050-1400 MPa
Corrosion resistance	Excellent	Very good	Good
Cost	High	Moderate	Low

• GH4169 has highest strength after aging treatment
• It also provides the best corrosion resistance
• 17-4PH is moderately stronger than 15-5PH
• 15-5PH is the most economical of the three
• GH4169 preferred for critical structural applications

GH4169 Powder FAQs

Q: What are the main applications of GH4169 precipitation hardening stainless steel powder?

A: Main applications include aerospace structures, marine components like shafts and valves, nuclear fuel element cladding, oil and gas wellhead parts, chemical process equipment, and other structural parts needing high strength and corrosion resistance.

Q: What is the role of aluminum and titanium in GH4169 composition?

A: Aluminum and titanium facilitate precipitation hardening by forming fine coherent precipitates during aging treatment. This imparts substantial strengthening while retaining reasonable ductility.

Q: What precautions are needed when working with GH4169 powder?

A: Recommended precautions include ventilation, avoiding ignition sources, using non-sparking tools, protective gear, following safe protocols, and storing sealed containers away from contaminants or moisture.

Q: How does GH4169 differ from martensitic and ferritic stainless steel grades?

A: GH4169 can be aged to much higher strength levels compared to martensitic or ferritic grades. It also provides excellent corrosion resistance including in marine environments, unlike martensitic grades.