1. Overview and Value Proposition
"Factory Price Al-Si Alloy Powder" typically refers to the most common and cost-effective aluminum-silicon-based powders, primarily AlSi10Mg and AlSi12, sold directly from manufacturers or major distributors. The "factory price" indicates a competitive cost achieved through large-scale production, minimized supply chain margins, and a focus on reliable, industrial-grade rather than premium specialty powders.
These alloys are the workhorses of aluminum-based additive manufacturing and other powder metallurgy processes due to their excellent balance of performance, printability, and cost.
2. Common Grades and Their Focus
The price and application are directly tied to the specific grade.
| Grade | Silicon Content | Key Characteristics | Primary Value & Applications |
| AlSi10Mg | ~10% | Good strength, good hardness, excellent printability. Can be heat-treated (aging) for higher strength. | Best All-Around Value. Ideal for functional prototypes, jigs & fixtures, automotive parts, and lightweight structural components. The most popular choice for LPBF (3D printing). |
| AlSi12 (or AlSi11Mg) | ~11-12% | Slightly higher silicon content. Excellent fluidity and lower thermal expansion. Slightly higher ductility but lower age-hardening potential than AlSi10Mg. | Excellent for Casting Simulation & Thermal Management. Often used for parts requiring good thermal conductivity (heat exchangers) or when imitating die-casting properties. |
| AlSi7Mg | ~7% | Higher ductility and toughness than AlSi10Mg. Excellent strength after T6 heat treatment. | Premium Performance for Demanding Applications. Used for aerospace and automotive components requiring high dynamic load resistance. May command a higher price than AlSi10Mg. |
3. Key Powder Specifications at a Factory Price Point
When sourcing at a factory price, it's crucial to verify the following specifications to ensure quality consistency:
- Particle Size Distribution (PSD): The standard for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is 15-53 µm or 20-63 µm. Confirm the PSD with the supplier.
- Morphology: Powder particles must be spherical to ensure good flowability.
- Chemical Composition: Must meet standard ranges for Al, Si, Mg, and Fe (e.g., Fe < 0.15%).
- Certifications: Reputable factories will provide material test certificates (MTCs) with each batch, showing actual chemical composition and key physical properties like flow rate.
4. Factors Influencing "Factory Price"
The final price per kilogram is influenced by several factors:
- Order Quantity: Larger orders (e.g., 100 kg+ vs. 1 kg) significantly reduce the price per kilogram.
- Powder Quality & Reusability: Powder produced under strict inert atmosphere control with low oxygen content may cost more but offers better performance and higher reusability (more times it can be sieved and reused in the printer), lowering the long-term cost.
- Packaging: Standard packaging (e.g., 10kg argon-sealed steel containers) is most cost-effective.
- Supplier: Buying directly from a manufacturer or their authorized bulk distributor offers the best price compared to small-quantity resellers.
5. Target Applications for Cost-Sensitive Projects
- Rapid Prototyping: Functional prototypes that require metal-like properties.
- Tooling and Manufacturing Aids: Jigs, fixtures, and check gauges that lead to efficiency gains on the production line.
- Lightweight Structural Components: Brackets, housings, and enclosures in aerospace, automotive, and robotics.
- Thermal Management Components: Heat sinks and cooling plates where the thermal properties of aluminum are beneficial.
6. A Note on "Aluminium Alloy Powder 3D Printing Price"
The "factory price" for the powder is just one part of the total cost of 3D printing. The overall project cost also includes:
- Machine Operation Cost: (Machine amortization, energy, gas)
- Labor & Post-Processing: (Support removal, heat treatment, surface finishing)
- Design & Setup: (File preparation, build plate setup)
However, sourcing powder at a competitive factory price is one of the most effective ways to reduce the total cost per printed part, especially for high-volume production.
Supplier Inquiry Template
Subject: Inquiry for Factory Price AlSi10Mg Powder
Dear [Supplier Name],
We are interested in a quotation for your Al-Si alloy powder, specifically AlSi10Mg, for use in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) 3D printing.
Please provide your best factory price based on the following quantities:
- Sample Quantity: 5 kg
- Small Batch: 50 kg
- Production Volume: 200 kg
Required Specifications:
- Particle Size: 15-53 µm (or 20-63 µm)
- Standard: ASTM F3318 / AMS 4345 (or equivalent)
- Packaging: Argon-sealed containers.
