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Powdered metal in Powder metal SS-316L (stainless)
Powder metal SS-316L (stainless) is one of the most economical choices for powdered metal: non-magnetic austenitic structure. On a representative spur gear at 25,000 pieces it estimates at about $1.24 per part plus $7,938 tooling, with a lead time of 6–9 weeks. Typical tolerance is About ±0.001 in per in (±0.1%) as sintered; about ±0.0005 in (±0.013 mm) after sizing.
- Per part
- $1.24
- Tooling
- $7,938
- Lead time
- 6–9 weeks
Price it in PM 316L
Spur gear · Powdered metal
Order total $39,486
- Tooling
- $7,938
- one-time, spread over the order
- Piece price
- $1.24
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 6–9 weeks
- to first production
Size
Drag a row to adjust · click to type
Teeth2424
Module1.501.50
Face width10.010.0 mm
Quantity
Price per part falls as volume rises
Exact quantity2500025000 pcs
Material
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
PM 316L vs other powdered metal materials
The same spur gear at 25,000 pieces, priced in every material the process runs. FC-0208 is the lowest all-in cost.
| Material | Per part | All-in | Weight | Tensile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder metal FC-0208 (copper steel) | $0.43 | $0.76 | 65 g | 410 MPa |
| Powder metal FN-0205 (nickel steel) | $0.50 | $0.84 | 67 g | 340 MPa |
| Powder metal SS-316L (stainless) | $1.24 | $1.58 | 65 g | 330 MPa |
| Stainless steel 17-4 PH (H900) | $1.42 | $1.76 | 75 g | 1379 MPa |
PM 316L at a glance
- Tensile strength
- 330 MPa56th pct
- Density
- 6.7 g/cm³62th pct
- Relative cost
- $$$$$
Bars are relative to the strongest, densest or hottest material in the SSG library. Percentile vs all 48 materials.
Strengths
- Non-magnetic austenitic structure
- Good corrosion resistance when sintered in hydrogen or vacuum
- Near net shape for small, complex stainless parts
- Controlled-porosity versions serve as filters and flow restrictors
Watch for
- Lower strength and corrosion resistance than wrought 316L because of porosity
- Nitrogen-sintered grades (SS-316N1, N2) gain strength but lose corrosion resistance
- Powder costs several times iron-based PM
- Needs passivation and clean handling to avoid iron contamination
Finishes for this combination
Powdered metal design rules
0.060 in (1.5 mm)
Minimum wall thickness
Length-to-diameter ratio of about 3:1 or less
Limit height to diameter
No side undercuts, cross holes, or threads as pressed
Keep features on the pressing axis
45° chamfers with a flat of about 0.010 in (0.25 mm)
Chamfer rather than radius edges
Three or fewer levels where possible
Limit pressing levels
0° on walls parallel to the pressing direction
Skip draft on straight walls
Questions
How much does powdered metal in PM 316L cost?
For a representative part (spur gear 24t, module 1.5, 10 mm face, ø8 mm bore), SSG's estimator gives about $1.24 per part at 25,000 pieces, plus about $7,938 one-time tooling. All-in with tooling and setup that is $1.58 per part. It is budgetary; principals quote firm prices from your drawing.
Is PM 316L a good material for powdered metal?
It is when you need non-magnetic austenitic structure and good corrosion resistance when sintered in hydrogen or vacuum. Watch for lower strength and corrosion resistance than wrought 316l because of porosity. Of 4 materials run in powdered metal, it ranks 3 on all-in cost for the same part.
What finishes work on PM 316L powdered metal parts?
Common options are vibratory deburr (tumbling), passivation. The builder adds each finish's lot charge, per-part cost and days to the estimate.
What tolerance can powdered metal hold in PM 316L?
Typical capability is About ±0.001 in per in (±0.1%) as sintered; about ±0.0005 in (±0.013 mm) after sizing. Tighter tolerances are possible on called-out features at added cost; specify them on the drawing rather than as a blanket note.
Quote powdered metal in PM 316L.
Upload your CAD or start from a template. The DFM check applies the rules above to your geometry.