18Ni300 powder is a low-carbon, nickel-rich maraging steel powder used to produce strong, heat-treatable metal parts, including components made by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Buyers should check more than the grade name: chemistry, particle-size distribution, powder condition, documentation, and suitability for the intended printer all affect purchasing decisions. Common applications include tooling, molds, and engineering parts that need a combination of strength and dimensional precision. This guide explains the specifications to request, how to assess application fit, and what to confirm with a supplier before ordering.
This guide is for procurement teams, additive manufacturing engineers, toolmakers, and product developers evaluating 18Ni300 powder for metal 3D printing. It is also useful when qualifying a new source, comparing quotations, or preparing a powder specification for an upcoming build. Buyers working to a customer or industry-specific standard should use that governing document as the final acceptance basis. The information below is general purchasing guidance, not a substitute for a qualified material or process specification.
18Ni300 is a precipitation-hardening maraging steel grade. Its low carbon content and alloying elements support high strength after an appropriate aging treatment, while its use as a powder feedstock allows parts to be produced by processes such as LPBF. The designation “18Ni300” refers to a material family and nominal grade; it does not, by itself, guarantee a particular powder size, flow result, or printed-part property.
Buyers may encounter 18Ni300 under names including M300, maraging steel 300, and 1.2709. These names are commonly associated with similar material families, but equivalence should be verified against the buyer’s required specification and the supplier’s documentation. A typical chemistry reference for the grade includes approximately 17–19% nickel, 8.5–9.5% cobalt, and 4.5–5.2% molybdenum by mass. These ranges are indicative; confirm the applicable limits and actual lot results before approval.
| Buyer check | What to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material identity | Grade designation and the specification used | Helps establish whether the powder meets the project’s material requirements |
| Chemistry | Composition limits and lot-specific analysis | Confirms the supplied batch against the agreed chemistry |
| Particle size | Size-distribution data, test method, and stated range | Supports assessment of compatibility with the powder-bed process |
| Powder condition | Production route and relevant handling or quality information | Helps buyers evaluate consistency and suitability for their workflow |
LPBF powder is commonly supplied in fine particle-size ranges, with 15–45 µm often used as a typical example for this process. The correct range depends on the machine, recoater, layer strategy, and supplier’s product offering, so do not treat that example as a universal requirement. Request the full distribution or the agreed sieve-based limits, along with the method used to measure them. If flow or apparent density is important to your process qualification, ask whether the supplier provides measured values and how those measurements were obtained.
Request a certificate or inspection document that identifies the supplied lot and reports the chemistry against the agreed limits. Where relevant to your quality system, also confirm what information is available for particle-size distribution, packaging, and powder handling. Check that the purchase order, product label, and documentation use matching grade and batch identifiers. If your specification sets mandatory tests or limits, state them before quotation rather than assuming they are included.
Powder selection is only one part of printed-part performance. Build orientation, machine settings, thermal history, part geometry, and post-processing can all influence the resulting component, so properties should be assessed using the buyer’s qualified process. Maraging steel components are often aged after printing, but the suitable treatment depends on the applicable material specification and the intended properties. For example, 480°C for 3 hours is a commonly referenced aging condition for some 18Ni300 workflows, not a universal instruction; confirm the treatment with your process owner and the governing specification.
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18Ni300 powder is considered for tooling inserts, mold components, and engineering parts where a strong steel component can be useful. Additive manufacturing can also help produce geometries such as internal channels or consolidated features, subject to design, machine, and process capability. These potential design advantages should be evaluated against build constraints, finishing requirements, and inspection needs. The material is not automatically the best choice for every metal AM application.
Consider 18Ni300 when the project calls for a maraging steel and the part’s operating conditions align with the grade’s intended use. It may be attractive for tooling designs where geometry, strength after heat treatment, or part consolidation is important. Confirm that the printed and post-processed material can meet the required mechanical, dimensional, and environmental conditions. For parts exposed to demanding corrosion, wear, or temperature conditions, assess those requirements specifically rather than inferring performance from the grade name.
Review other alloys if the application has requirements that 18Ni300 does not meet, or if the production route makes another material more practical. Factors may include corrosion resistance, operating temperature, finishing strategy, powder availability, and total project cost. A design that does not benefit from additive geometry may also warrant comparison with conventional manufacturing routes. Discuss these trade-offs with your engineering and procurement teams before locking the powder specification.
18Ni300 powder pricing depends on factors such as order quantity, powder specification, documentation requirements, packaging, and delivery destination. MOQ and lead time can also vary by product availability and whether a buyer needs a particular size range or other agreed requirements. A low unit price may not represent the lowest total sourcing cost if it is paired with unsuitable specifications, extra testing, or delays. Request a quotation that clearly separates product, packaging, shipping, and any optional services or documentation.
For a more useful quotation, provide the target grade or specification, required particle-size range, quantity, destination, intended process, and documentation needs. If your project is still in development, state whether you are seeking a qualification quantity or a recurring supply arrangement. Ask the supplier to confirm the quotation’s validity, estimated dispatch timing, packaging format, and any assumptions. These details make supplier comparisons more transparent and reduce avoidable clarification during ordering.
Choosing 18Ni300 powder starts with a clear specification and a defined application—not simply selecting a familiar grade name. Confirm chemistry, particle-size requirements, documentation, machine compatibility, and the qualification plan before committing to a production order. JINGYE can discuss your 18Ni300 powder requirements and prepare a quotation based on your target grade, quantity, delivery destination, and documentation needs. Contact our team with your specification or project details to begin a focused B2B sourcing discussion.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 18Ni300 powder. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.