Guide to All Metal Powders

October 24, 2025 • metal powders

An In‑Depth Guide to All Metal Powders

Metal powders are an essential class of materials in modern manufacturing, advanced engineering, and niche applications such as coatings, additive manufacturing, catalysis, and specialty composites. In this guide, we explore the range of metal powders offered through our shop, their properties, how to use them safely and effectively, and illustrative examples.

The catalog of metal powders includes:

Why Metal Powders? Advantages and Considerations

Advantages of atomized metal powders

High surface area
Complex shapes via powder metallurgy / additive manufacturing
Tailored composites

Catalogue of Metal Powders

Aluminium (atomized)

Uses: Thermal pastes, coatings, polymer fillers

Example: Mix 100g aluminium powder + 50g binder + 200mL solvent for conductive paint

Brass

Uses: Decorative finishes, paint additives

Example: 20g brass powder + 100mL varnish for metallic sheen

Bronze

Uses: Bearings, castings, jewelry

Example: 10g bronze + 1g lubricant, sintered into bushings

Bismuth

Uses: Low-temp casting, thermal materials

Example: Bismuth + tin for a fusible alloy ~240°C

Copper (atomized)

Uses: Conductive adhesives, catalysts

Example: 30g copper powder + polymer for 100mL paste

Graphite (synthetic)

Uses: Lubricants, conductivity enhancers

Example: 5g graphite + 95g copper for conductive composites

Iron (atomized)

Uses: Structural parts, magnetic cores

Example: Press 20g iron + 0.2g lubricant at 200MPa, sinter at 1100°C

Magnetite (synthetic)

Uses: Magnetic composites, pigments

Example: 10g magnetite + 90g resin for shielding parts

Stainless Steel (atomized)

Uses: Additive manufacturing, wear coatings

Example: 1kg stainless powder for SLM part printing

Tin

Uses: Solder paste, low-temp alloys

Example: 20g tin + binder for solder paste

Comparative Table

Powder	Uses	Strengths	Challenges
Aluminium	Thermal, coatings	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant	Oxidation, flammable dust
Brass	Aesthetic, bushings	Good colour, corrosion resistance	Zinc oxidation
Bronze	Structural, decorative	Durable, smooth sinter	Alloy control
Bismuth	Casting, electronics	Low melting, safe	Brittle, expensive
Copper	Conductive, catalytic	Excellent conductivity	Oxidation, cost
Graphite	Conductive, lubricant	Stable, high purity	Poor binding alone
Iron	Magnetic, structural	Affordable, strong	Rests, shrinkage
Magnetite	Magnetic	Inexpensive magnetic filler	May aggregate
Stainless	3D printing, wear parts	Strong, rust-proof	Expensive
Tin	Solder, fusible	Low melting, malleable	Surface oxidation

Usage Examples

Conductive Paint

25g copper
5g graphite
15g polymer binder
55mL solvent

Sintered Iron Gear

20g iron
0.2g lubricant
Sinter at 1100°C in forming gas

Fusible Alloy

60g bismuth
40g tin
Melt around 250°C

FAQs

What particle size should I choose? Use <20µm for coatings; 20–45µm for printing; coarser for PM parts.
How do I store metal powders? In sealed, dry containers under inert gas if possible.
Can I blend different metal powders? Yes, ensure compatibility and uniform dispersion.
Are metal powders safe? Use gloves, respirators, and ground equipment to prevent fire risk.
What is sintering? Heating powders below melting point to bond them together.
What binders can I use? Epoxy, polyurethane, or thermoplastics depending on use.
Can I reuse powders? Yes, but check for oxidation or contamination.
Which powder is best for conductivity? Copper, followed by aluminium and graphite.
Which powder is best for 3D printing? Stainless steel or aluminium with spherical, 15–45µm sizes.
Where can I buy metal powders in the UK? At HD Chemicals UK

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