Yahao Materials & Technology to expand metal powder production
With the rapid growth of the Metal Injection Moulding industry on the back of the demand for smartphone and other high-volume 3C applications, there has been a significant increase in the demand for MIM-grade stainless steel and soft magnetic powders. In addition, demand is also increasing from sectors such as the automotive industry as well as for application in metal Additive Manufacturing processes such as Binder Jetting. While future opportunities look promising, challenging new applications can pose technical challenges.
To keep pace with anticipated market demand, Yahao Materials & Technology Co. Ltd., based in Hebei Province, China, reports that in May 2019 it started the construction of its second metal powder plant. This 33,000 m2 plant is expected to contain twelve high-pressure gas-water atomisation systems and three vacuum gas atomisation systems, with operations starting in August 2020.
The facility is expected to produce 8,000 tons powder per year, accounting for RMB 240 million output value. Supporting this development is a strong commitment to R&D, and the new facility will feature laboratories for chemical analysis, SEM microscopy, metallographic analysis, mechanical testing and magnetic properties.
Yahao Materials & Technology Co.Ltd. told PIM International that over the past twelve years it has achieved considerable success, but stressed that there is also an ongoing awareness of the need for process innovation, new product development, technical barriers, etc, which will help Yahao Materials & Technology Co. Ltd to maintain its competitiveness in the industry.
