FAQ - Powder Production

Q: What is the difference between sponge and atomized powders?
A: Sponge powder is produced from magnetite iron ore that is directly reduced at elevated temperatures to obtain sponge iron. The material is then disintegrated into powder and annealed to obtain the desired properties. Sponge iron has a very high surface area and exhibits high green strength. It is used for low and medium density ferrous P/M parts, approximately 5.4 g/cm³ to 6.7 g/cm³.

To produce atomized powders, molten steel is atomized into irregular and homogeneous particles which are then annealed. The melt stock and the subsequent processing are carefully controlled to produce uniform steel powders designed for P/M parts requiring densities over 6.7 g/cm³.