FeCoNiCrMn powder

Overview of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn belongs to a class of multi-principal element alloys known as high entropy alloys. The near-equiatomic composition provides high configurational entropy leading to excellent strength, toughness, and stability at high temperatures.

Key properties of FeCoNiCrMn powder include:

• Exceptional high temperature strength and creep resistance
• Excellent fatigue strength and fracture toughness
• Outstanding oxidation and corrosion resistance
• High microstructural stability at elevated temperatures
• Available in range of particle size distributions and morphologies

FeCoNiCrMn powder is suitable for high temperature structural parts, protective coatings, thermal spray, welding, additive manufacturing, and other demanding applications at elevated temperatures.

Composition of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn powder has the nominal composition:

The high entropy composition results in superior thermal stability and mechanical properties compared to conventional alloys. Impurities are minimized.

Properties of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn powder possesses the following properties:

The properties like strength, ductility, fatigue strength, and hardness are maintained up to temperatures exceeding 1000°C.

Production Method for FeCoNiCrMn Powder

Typical production methods for FeCoNiCrMn powder include:

• Gas Atomization – High pressure inert gas used to atomize molten alloy to produce fine spherical powder with good flow and packing density.
• Water Atomization – High velocity water jet breaks up molten metal stream into fine irregular powder particles. Lower cost but higher oxygen pickup.
• Mechanical Alloying – Ball milling of blended elemental powders followed by sintering and secondary atomization.

Gas atomization provides the best control over powder characteristics like particle size distribution, morphology, purity and microstructure.

Applications of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn powder is used in high temperature applications including:

• Additive Manufacturing – Selective laser melting to produce complex parts needing exceptional high temperature strength for aerospace, automotive, etc.
• Thermal Spray Coatings – Wire arc spraying to deposit thick protective coatings providing wear/corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures exceeding 750°C.
• Brazing Filler – For joining high temperature alloys and ceramics due to its oxidation resistance.
• Welding Consumables – Provides excellent weld strength and durability in high temperature or corrosive service conditions.
• Heat Treatment Fixtures – Powder metallurgy trays, baskets, fixtures used in heat treatment furnaces.

Specifications of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn powder is available under various size ranges, shapes, grades and purity levels:

• Particle Size: From 10-45 μm for AM methods, up to 150 μm for thermal spray processes.
• Morphology: Spherical, irregular and blended shapes. Spherical powder provides optimal flow and packing density.
• Purity: From commercial purity to ultra-high purity grades based on stringent chemical analysis and application requirements.
• Surface Area: Low surface area preferred to minimize oxidation during handling and storage.
• Grades: Customized composition and powder characteristics tailored for intended application and processing method.

Global Suppliers of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

Some of the major global suppliers of FeCoNiCrMn powder include:

• Sandvik Osprey (UK)
• Erasteel (France)
• Tekna (Canada)
• Edgetech Industries (USA)
• CNPC Powder (China)
• Hoganas (Sweden)
• AMETEK (US)

These companies produce various grades of FeCoNiCrMn powder using gas atomization, water atomization and mechanical alloying processes tailored for demanding applications.

Pricing of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn powder prices depend on factors like:

• Composition, purity levels
• Particle size distribution and shape
• Production method
• Order quantity
• Manufacturer and geographical location

Gas atomized, controlled particle size, high purity powders command much higher pricing compared to commercial grades.

Storage and Handling of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

FeCoNiCrMn powder requires careful storage and handling:

• Should be stored in sealed containers under inert gas to prevent oxidation
• Need to control dust explosion hazards from fine powder accumulation
• Use proper PPE, ventilation, safety practices during powder handling
• Prevent contact between powder and incompatible materials
• Follow applicable safety guidelines from supplier SDS

Proper protective measures are essential when handling this reactive alloy powder.

Inspection and Testing of FeCoNiCrMn Powder

Key quality control tests performed on FeCoNiCrMn powder:

• Chemical analysis using OES or XRF to ensure composition is within specified limits
• Particle size distribution using laser diffraction as per ASTM B822 standard
• Morphology analysis through SEM imaging
• Powder flow rate measurement as per ASTM B213 standard
• Density determination by helium pycnometry
• Impurity testing using ICP-MS
• Microstructural characterization by XRD phase analysis

Thorough testing verifies powder quality and consistency for the intended high temperature application.

Comparison Between FeCoNiCrMn and Inconel 718 Powders

FeCoNiCrMn and Inconel 718 powders compared:

FeCoNiCrMn offers superior high temperature strength, whereas Inconel 718 has better workability and availability.

FeCoNiCrMn Powder FAQs

Q: How is FeCoNiCrMn powder produced?

A: FeCoNiCrMn powder is commercially produced using gas atomization, water atomization and mechanical alloying followed by sintering. Gas atomization offers the best powder characteristics.

Q: What are the main applications for FeCoNiCrMn powder?

A: Main applications include additive manufacturing, thermal spray coatings, brazing filler material, high temperature welding, powder metallurgy hot work tooling where exceptional high temperature strength is needed.

Q: What is the recommended particle size for thermal spraying?

A: For most thermal spray processes, a particle size range of 45-150 microns is preferred for FeCoNiCrMn powder to maximize deposition efficiency and coating properties.

Q: Does FeCoNiCrMn powder require special handling precautions?

A: Yes, proper protective measures are essential when handling this reactive fine alloy powder including inert atmosphere, grounding, ventilation, PPE.

Q: Where can I buy FeCoNiCrMn powder suitable for additive manufacturing?

A: For AM applications requiring high temperature strength, fine FeCoNiCrMn powder can be purchased from leading manufacturers including Sandvik, Erasteel, Tekna, and Edgetech Industries.