Sweden’s Sandvik AB has launched Osprey C18150, a copper-based metal powder tailored for applications which require increased mechanical strength at high temperatures, whilst maintaining high electrical and thermal conductivity. These attributes are said to make the powder suitable for electrical, electronic and thermal transfer components in a variety of industries such as aerospace and automotive.

Osprey C18150 (CuCrZr) is a copper-based alloy that contains small amounts of chromium and zirconium to balance copper’s high conductivity and heat dissipation capabilities. Thanks to the precipitation of Cr- and Zr-rich particles upon ageing, this balance persists even at elevated temperatures. It can withstand service temperatures up to 500°C.

The alloy has been developed as fine powder for Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and Binder Jetting (BJT) using Osprey High Yield Technology, but also as a coarser powder for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED).

“Our metal powder portfolio continues to grow, and we are very excited about our latest addition, Osprey C18150,” stated Dr Eleonora Bettini, Customer Application Specialist for metal powder at Sandvik. “With our wide range of Osprey C18150 powders, with customised properties and particle size distributions, manufacturers from a variety of industries can enjoy the many benefits that this material has to offer.”

Osprey C18150 is manufactured by inert gas atomisation, producing a powder with a spherical morphology which provides good flow characteristics and high packing density. The powder has been tested and qualified with several customers in different industries and for different applications.

Available via the Osprey Online webshop in Europe and through KBM Advanced Materials in the US, Osprey C18150 is also available in other fractions and for other manufacturing technologies from Sandvik.