Molybdenum Powder 2025: Properties, Applications, and Top Suppliers
Overview
It is a high-performance refractory metal powder known for its exceptional strength, high melting point (2623°C), excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and superior corrosion resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, electronics, medical, and additive manufacturing industries.
Available in both pure molybdenum and molybdenum alloys, this powder is produced using mechanical milling, reduction, or atomization processes to achieve high purity and optimal particle size distribution for various applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best molybdenum powder for 3D printing and industrial applications, its properties, production methods, and top suppliers in 2025.
Best Molybdenum Powder for 3D Printing
It is increasingly used in additive manufacturing (AM) due to its high-temperature resistance, wear resistance, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Why Choose Molybdenum Powder for 3D Printing?
- Ultra-High Melting Point – Withstands extreme temperatures up to 2623°C.
- Superior Strength & Hardness – Excellent wear resistance and mechanical stability.
- Excellent Thermal & Electrical Conductivity – Ideal for electronic components and heat-resistant parts.
- Corrosion & Oxidation Resistance – Performs well in harsh environments.
- Good Printability – Compatible with LPBF, EBM, and DED additive manufacturing processes.
Comparison of Molybdenum Powder vs. Other Refractory Metal Powders
| Property | Molybdenum | Tungsten | Tantalum | Niobium | Stainless Steel 316L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 10.28 | 19.25 | 16.65 | 8.57 | 7.99 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 2623 | 3422 | 3017 | 2477 | 1400-1450 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 138 | 173 | 57 | 54 | 16 |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | Excellent | Excellent | High | Moderate |
| Cost ($/kg) | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ |
It provides a balance of high-temperature performance, strength, and conductivity, making it the ideal choice for aerospace, electronics, and high-performance engineering applications.
How to Choose the Right Molybdenum Powder
Not all molybdenum powders are the same. Selecting the best one requires understanding particle size, purity, and production method.
Key Factors in Choosing Molybdenum Powder
- Particle Size Distribution – Common sizes: 15-45µm (LPBF, SLM), 45-75µm (DED, Binder Jetting).
- Sphericity – Spherical powders provide better flowability, higher density, and fewer printing defects.
- Purity – High-purity molybdenum (>99.9%) ensures better mechanical and thermal properties.
- Production Method – Plasma atomization, reduction, and mechanical milling affect particle shape and size.
- Application Compatibility – Ensure the powder is optimized for your specific 3D printing or manufacturing process.
Related Products
C103 Niobium Alloy Spherical Powder, Nb-Hf10-Ti1 | C103, Nb-Hf10-Ti1 Alloy Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Copper Coated Tungsten Spherical Powder | WCu Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Fe-2Ni Spherical Powder for Metal Injection Molding (MIM) | Fe-2Ni Alloy Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Nb-1Zr Niobium Zirconium Alloy Spherical Powder | Nb-1Zr Alloy Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Why Choose Heeger Materials Inc. ?
Heeger Materials Inc. is a trusted supplier of high-quality molybdenum powder, using advanced reduction, atomization, and mechanical milling techniques to achieve high purity and excellent flowability.
If you need premium molybdenum powder, Heeger Materials is an excellent choice.
Top Suppliers in 2025
Finding a reliable supplier is crucial for consistent quality and performance in aerospace, electronics, and additive manufacturing.
Leading Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Country | Specialization | Production Methods | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heeger Materials Inc. | USA | 3D Printing Powders | Reduction, Mechanical Milling, Plasma Atomization | Visit Site |
| HC Starck | Germany | Refractory Metal Powders | Reduction, Plasma Atomization | N/A |
| Plansee | Austria | Molybdenum & Tungsten Powders | Reduction, Mechanical Milling | N/A |
| Global Tungsten & Powders | USA | Refractory Metal Powders | Mechanical Milling | N/A |
Why Heeger Materials?
- 40+ years of expertise in powder metallurgy.
- Advanced production processes ensuring high-purity, uniform powders.
- Strong collaborations with research institutes, universities, and aerospace companies.
- Competitive pricing & global distribution.
Looking for premium molybdenum powder? Contact us today!
Quality Standards
To ensure high performance and reliability, it must meet strict industrial, aerospace, and electronics standards. High-quality molybdenum powder ensures better printability, enhanced mechanical strength, and long-term durability.
Key Quality Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B387 | Specification for molybdenum and molybdenum alloy rods and bars. |
| ASTM F2889 | Standard for molybdenum powder used in metal additive manufacturing. |
| ISO 9001 | Certification for quality management systems ensuring product consistency. |
| AMS 7911 | Aerospace Material Specification for molybdenum sheet and powder. |
| RoHS Compliance | Ensures environmental safety by limiting hazardous substances. |
Why Buy Certified Molybdenum Powder?
- Ensures Uniform Particle Size & Shape – Essential for additive manufacturing and sintering applications.
- Superior Mechanical Properties – Meets strength, hardness, and thermal stability requirements.
- Minimized Contaminants – Low oxygen and sulfur content ensures high purity.
- Compliance with Aerospace & Electronics Regulations – Essential for high-performance applications.
At Heeger Materials Inc., we manufacture high-quality molybdenum powder that meets ASTM, AMS, and ISO standards, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Cost Analysis
The price of molybdenum powder varies based on production method, purity, and market demand.
Factors Affecting Molybdenum Powder Cost
- Production Method – Reduction and plasma atomization impact cost and quality.
- Particle Size Distribution – Fine powders (15-45µm) for LPBF are more expensive due to higher processing precision.
- Purity Levels – Lower oxygen and sulfur content increases cost but improves mechanical performance.
- Global Demand & Supply – Prices fluctuate based on industrial consumption and raw material availability.
Price Comparison of Molybdenum Powder vs. Other Refractory Metal Powders
| Powder Type | Cost ($/kg) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum Powder | 100−100 – 100−300 | Aerospace, electronics, additive manufacturing |
| Tungsten Powder | 250−250 – 250−600 | High-temperature applications, radiation shielding |
| Tantalum Powder | 350−350 – 350−800 | Medical implants, superalloys |
| Niobium Powder | 150−150 – 150−400 | Superconductors, aerospace |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 80−80 – 80−150 | General engineering, medical applications |
Molybdenum is more affordable than tungsten and tantalum, yet it offers exceptional high-temperature resistance and conductivity, making it a cost-effective choice for electronics, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Request a custom price quote for bulk orders of molybdenum powder.
Particle Size and Shape
The particle size and morphology of molybdenum powder play a crucial role in flowability, density, and final part properties.
Why Particle Size Matters
- Fine Powder (15-45 µm) – Best for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and selective laser melting (SLM).
- Medium Powder (45-75 µm) – Used in binder jetting and direct energy deposition (DED).
- Coarse Powder (75-150 µm) – Suitable for metal injection molding (MIM) and thermal spraying.
Spherical vs. Irregular Powder: Which is Better?
| Powder Shape | Characteristics | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Spherical | Excellent flowability, uniform packing, low porosity | 3D printing, SLM, LPBF |
| Irregular | Lower flowability, higher porosity, cheaper production | MIM, Binder Jetting |
Gas-atomized spherical molybdenum powder is preferred for 3D printing due to its superior flowability, density, and reduced defects.
Explore our high-quality spherical molybdenum powders.
Production Methods
Different powder production methods impact the particle shape, purity, and cost of molybdenum powder.
Comparison of Production Methods
| Production Method | Particle Shape | Purity | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction Process | Irregular | High | $$ | Sintering, MIM, Coatings |
| Plasma Atomization | Spherical | Very High | $$$ | 3D Printing, Aerospace |
| Mechanical Milling | Flake-Like | Moderate | $$ | Electrical Contacts, Conductive Coatings |
Plasma atomization and reduction processes are the most widely used methods for molybdenum powder, ensuring excellent purity and performance.
Heeger Materials Inc. specializes in high-purity molybdenum powder, providing superior quality and consistency.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it used for? | It is used in aerospace, electronics, medical, and industrial applications due to its high-temperature resistance and excellent strength. |
| Why is it for 3D printing? | It offers high strength, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for heat-resistant and high-performance parts. |
| What is the difference between molybdenum and tungsten powder? | Molybdenum is lighter and more ductile, while tungsten has a higher melting point and density. |
| What is the typical particle size for it? | 15-45µm for LPBF, 45-75µm for binder jetting & DED. |
| Where can I buy high-quality molybdenum powder? | Heeger Materials Inc. provides premium molybdenum powder for industrial applications. |
Conclusion
It is a high-performance refractory metal that delivers exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, and high-temperature resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, electronics, automotive, and additive manufacturing industries.
For top-quality molybdenum powder, Heeger Materials Inc. offers high-purity, spherical powders produced using advanced reduction and atomization techniques.
Looking for premium molybdenum powder? Contact us today!
