M300 powder is commonly used to produce maraging-steel parts by metal additive manufacturing, especially laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). It is selected for applications that need a combination of strength, hardness, and the ability to create complex geometries. The name often refers to an 18Ni-300-type maraging steel, but the exact chemistry, powder condition, and mechanical results depend on the product specification and processing route. We recommend confirming those details against the supplier’s current technical data before ordering or qualifying a part.
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This guide explains the material, the properties buyers should evaluate, common applications, and how to compare supplier offers. It also outlines practical questions to ask about particle size, testing, packaging, minimum order quantity (MOQ), and lead time. At JINGYE, we encourage buyers to define the intended process and part requirements first so that a powder specification can be matched to the project.
This guide is for engineers, additive manufacturing teams, procurement specialists, and distributors evaluating M300 powder for production or development. It is useful whether you are selecting a material for a new LPBF component, assessing a second source, or requesting a quotation for a specified powder grade. The information is general guidance rather than a substitute for a qualified process, material certificate, or part-specific validation.
M300 is a precipitation-hardening, low-carbon maraging steel powder. In additive manufacturing, it is typically processed by LPBF, where a laser selectively melts thin layers of powder to build a three-dimensional part. After printing, a suitable heat-treatment cycle can develop the material’s strength and hardness through precipitation hardening.
The “18Ni-300” designation commonly associated with M300 points to a nominal nickel content of about 18 wt%. Typical chemistry may also include cobalt and molybdenum, but the values and permitted limits must be taken from the specific grade specification. The grade name alone does not establish a complete chemical composition or guarantee that two suppliers’ powders are interchangeable.
A powder datasheet should describe more than the alloy name. Buyers should review chemical composition, particle size distribution, morphology, apparent or tap density where reported, flow-related test results, and the measurement methods used. They should also ask whether the figures apply to virgin powder, reused powder, or a specific lot.
| Specification area | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy chemistry | Element ranges, test method, and lot-level documentation | Confirms that the material aligns with the required grade and application. |
| Particle size | Distribution limits and measurement method | Powder size affects spreading and must suit the machine and layer strategy. |
| Powder condition | Virgin or reused status, storage, and handling instructions | Supports consistent handling and traceability through production. |
| Mechanical properties | Test condition, heat treatment, specimen orientation, and applicable standard | Results are meaningful only when the test and processing conditions are clear. |
For context, an LPBF M300 offering may specify a particle size range such as 15–45 μm, but this is an example of a commonly encountered range, not a universal requirement. A typical nominal composition associated with 18Ni-300 includes about 9 wt% cobalt and 5 wt% molybdenum; actual limits vary by specification. Treat these values as orientation only and use the supplier’s lot documentation and your machine requirements for purchasing decisions.
M300 is often considered for tooling and engineering components that benefit from a strong, heat-treatable steel and the geometric freedom of metal 3D printing. Possible applications include conformal-cooled tooling inserts, molds, fixtures, and selected functional parts. Suitability depends on service loads, operating environment, surface requirements, design, and the ability to validate the printed and heat-treated component.
Consider M300 when the project calls for a steel part with complex internal features or when combining several components into one printed design could simplify assembly. It may also be relevant when post-build aging is compatible with the component’s dimensional and performance requirements. Before committing, compare the expected part properties with those of conventional manufacturing routes and other printable alloys.
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M300 is not automatically the best choice for every metal AM application. If corrosion resistance, high-temperature behavior, wear performance, or a particular regulatory or customer requirement is central, compare suitable alternatives and confirm the relevant data for each. Also assess whether the required heat treatment, machining, surface finishing, and inspection are practical for the finished part.
Do not compare mechanical values without checking how they were obtained. A result from a heat-treated test coupon may not describe an as-built part, and specimen orientation or build parameters can affect the comparison. Ask the supplier or processing partner to state the test condition and provide the applicable method alongside any quoted property values.
M300 powder pricing depends on factors such as requested quantity, powder specification, packaging, documentation, and current availability. MOQ and lead time can also vary by grade, order size, and production or logistics conditions, so we avoid treating a generic figure as a dependable commitment. For an accurate quotation, provide the target quantity, particle size range, required documents, destination, and preferred delivery schedule.
For an initial project, buyers may want to discuss whether a sample quantity is available and whether it can support their planned machine trials. Confirm packaging size, storage recommendations, shelf-life or retest information if provided, and the process for maintaining lot identification. These details help procurement and engineering teams plan qualification without assuming that all suppliers offer the same terms.
Request only the documentation relevant to your project and quality system, and verify that any certificates or test reports are actually available for the offered product and lot. Avoid relying on broad claims such as “machine-ready” or “fully qualified” unless the supplier explains the exact scope and evidence behind them. For production parts, qualification should include the powder, machine process, post-processing, and part-level acceptance criteria.
At JINGYE, we support B2B powder inquiries by discussing the requested grade, quantity, particle size, packaging, and documentation needs. Sharing your machine or process requirements helps us check whether the available M300 powder specification is a fit for your application. We can also clarify quotation details such as MOQ and lead time based on the order information provided.
M300 powder is a maraging-steel option for metal 3D printing when the project benefits from a heat-treatable material and geometries suited to additive manufacturing. The right choice depends on verified chemistry, powder characteristics, process compatibility, post-processing, and the properties required in the finished part. Use the alloy name as a starting point, not as a complete purchasing specification.
Your next step is to prepare a requirement sheet covering application, machine or process, quantity, powder size, documentation, and delivery timing. Then compare supplier data on an equivalent basis and confirm any qualification plan before production. Contact JINGYE with these details to discuss current M300 powder specifications and request a project-specific quotation.
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