Technical Description:
Nickel Micron Powder (Ni, 99.95%, 4 µm, Spherical) is a fine powder composed of nickel (Ni) with a high purity of 99.95%. The powder has an average particle size of 4 micrometers (µm) and is produced with a spherical shape, which is achieved through an atomization process. This specific combination of high purity, fine particle size, and spherical shape makes it ideal for a variety of advanced manufacturing and industrial applications.
- Chemical Composition:
- Nickel (Ni) content: 99.95%, ensuring minimal contamination and excellent consistency. The high purity is essential for applications requiring precise material characteristics, such as in electronic and high-performance parts.
- Particle Size:
- The particle size is 4 µm, which is considered fine and offers a high surface area. The small size enhances the material’s reactivity and uniformity in manufacturing processes, making it ideal for precision applications.
- Shape:
- The powder is spherical in shape, which is particularly advantageous for manufacturing processes like powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and coating applications. Spherical powders have better flowability and packing density compared to irregularly shaped powders, improving the efficiency of these processes.
- Purity:
- With a purity of 99.95%, the nickel powder has very low levels of impurities, making it suitable for demanding applications that require high material integrity and consistency.
Applications:
- Powder Metallurgy:
- Nickel powder is commonly used in powder metallurgy to produce sintered parts. The fine 4 µm particle size helps achieve high density and uniformity in the parts, which is critical for producing high-strength components used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery. These parts can include gears, bearings, and electrical components.
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing):
- Spherical nickel powder is ideal for additive manufacturing processes like Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The spherical particles allow for smooth powder flow during 3D printing, ensuring high-density, accurate, and durable components. Nickel-based alloys are often used in aerospace, medical devices, and electronics for their excellent mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion and heat.
- Electronics and Electrical Components:
- Nickel powder is used in the manufacture of electrical components such as connectors, switches, and contact materials. The fine particles are also utilized in conductive coatings, providing excellent electrical conductivity. The high purity ensures consistent performance in high-precision electronic devices, such as sensors, circuit boards, and battery components.
- Battery Manufacturing:
- Nickel-based powders are used in the production of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, commonly used in rechargeable applications like electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and consumer electronics. The fine nickel powder is incorporated into the electrodes to improve energy density and performance. Additionally, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries may also use this powder for high-performance applications.
- Coatings and Plating:
- Nickel powder is frequently used in electroplating and coating processes to provide corrosion-resistant surfaces on various metal substrates. These coatings are applied in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and wear resistance are essential.
- Catalysis:
- Nickel-based catalysts are widely used in various chemical processes, including hydrogenation, petroleum refining, and organic synthesis. The fine nickel powder increases the catalyst’s surface area, making it more efficient in promoting chemical reactions, such as the hydrogenation of vegetable oils or the desulfurization of petroleum products.
- Magnetic Materials:
- Nickel is used in the production of magnetic alloys and soft magnetic materials. The fine, spherical nickel powder is used to produce materials with high magnetic permeability and low coercivity, which are important for applications like transformers, inductors, and motors. These materials are critical in electrical and electronic devices requiring efficient energy conversion.
- Hydrogen Storage:
- Nickel-based materials are used for hydrogen storage in energy systems. Nickel hydrides can absorb and release hydrogen gas, making them valuable in the storage and transport of hydrogen for fuel cell applications. The fine particle size of the nickel powder improves its reactivity and efficiency in these systems.
- Metal Alloys:
- Nickel is a key component in many metal alloys that require high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and strength. Spherical nickel powder is used to create nickel-based alloys for applications such as superalloys used in turbine engines, chemical processing equipment, and nuclear reactors.
- Precision Instruments:
- Due to its high purity and consistent particle size, nickel powder is used in the manufacture of precision instruments such as thermometers, gauges, and measurement devices where consistent and high-quality materials are required for reliable performance.
- Sintered Bearings and Bushings:
- The fine nickel powder is ideal for sintering bearings and bushings. Nickel-based sintered bearings are used in applications where high load capacity, reduced friction, and good wear resistance are essential. These parts are commonly found in automotive and industrial machinery.
Summary of Benefits:
- High Purity: The 99.95% purity ensures minimal contamination, making it ideal for advanced applications in electronics, batteries, coatings, and catalysis.
- Spherical Shape: The spherical shape enhances the powder’s flowability, ensuring better handling, packing density, and efficiency in additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy.
- Fine Particle Size (4 µm): The small particle size offers a high surface area, which is advantageous for applications requiring efficient reactions, coatings, and precise manufacturing processes.
- Versatility: Nickel powder has a wide range of applications across electronics, energy storage, magnetic materials, and catalysis, as well as in creating alloys for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant components.
In conclusion, Nickel Micron Powder (99.95%, 4 µm, Spherical) is an ideal material for industries where high purity, precision, and performance are essential. Its properties make it suitable for a variety of applications, including electronics, batteries, powder metallurgy, catalysis, coatings, and magnetic materials, offering enhanced efficiency and reliability in each of these sectors.