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Category: Guides

  • Iron powder grades explained: reduced, atomized and electrolytic

    Iron powder is not a single product. The production route decides purity, particle shape and how well the powder compacts, so the right grade depends on what you are making.

    Reduced (sponge) iron powder

    Made by reducing iron oxide, reduced iron has an irregular, porous particle shape. It is widely used in friction materials, welding consumables and chemical applications where surface area and reactivity matter.

    Water-atomized iron powder

    Produced by breaking up a molten stream with high-pressure water, atomized iron is the standard choice for sintered structural parts because it compacts to a high, consistent density.

    Electrolytic iron powder

    Grown by electrolysis, this grade offers very high purity. It is chosen where low impurity levels are critical, such as specialised chemical and magnetic uses.

    How to choose

    Start from the end use: the density and strength target of a sintered part, the flux system of an electrode, or the purity limit of a chemical process. Then agree the particle-size range and the certificate you need with the supplier.

    Not sure which grade fits? Send us your requirement and we will help you match it.

  • Where alumina powder is used: from ceramics to polishing

    Alumina, or aluminium oxide, is one of the most versatile industrial powders. It is hard, thermally stable and chemically resistant, which is why it appears in so many processes.

    Ceramics and refractories

    Alumina is a core raw material for technical ceramics and refractory linings, where it withstands high temperatures and wear.

    Abrasives and polishing

    Fine alumina powders deliver consistent surface finishing in polishing compounds and abrasive products. Narrow particle-size control gives a repeatable finish.

    Coatings and catalysts

    Alumina is used as thermal-spray feedstock for wear-resistant coatings and as a support material for catalysts.

    What to specify

    The key parameters are alumina content, median particle size, soda level and phase. Share these with your supplier and ask for a Certificate of Analysis with each lot.

    Looking for a specific grade? See our alumina powder range or request a quote.

  • How to choose tungsten carbide powder for your application

    Tungsten carbide powder is the base material for cemented carbide tools, wear parts and hard coatings. Choosing the right powder comes down to a few parameters.

    Grain size

    Finer grains generally give higher hardness and better edge strength, which suits cutting tools. Coarser grains offer more toughness and suit mining and heavy wear applications.

    Carbon balance

    Total and free carbon must be controlled tightly. Incorrect carbon levels can introduce brittle phases in the sintered part.

    Purity and oxygen

    Low impurity and oxygen levels support consistent sintering. Ask for a Certificate of Analysis showing these values for the lot you receive.

    Application route

    Cemented carbide production, hardfacing and thermal spray each favour different powder characteristics. Describe your process and the supplier can suggest a suitable grade.

    See our tungsten carbide powder page or contact us for a quotation.