Steel powder 1.2709 is a martensitic hardening tool steel, also known as maraging steel. The material, designated X3NiCoMoTi18-9-5, contains, in particular, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum and titanium. Following a tailored heat treatment, it offers high strength and hardness for mechanically demanding components.
Its good processability makes 1.2709 a well-established material for additive manufacturing as well as tool and mould making. NMD Metalpowders offers a range of grain sizes and can help you select the right powder grade for your manufacturing process.
Technical features and advantages
- High strength and hardness: Through targeted hardening, the mechanical properties can be tailored to the component’s requirements.
- Good workability before curing: Enables the machining of tools and functional surfaces prior to the final heat treatment.
- Good weldability: Supports use in suitable fusion-based additive manufacturing processes.
- Versatile post-processing: Depending on the stage of production, processes such as milling, EDM, polishing and coating are possible.
- Various grain sizes: The powder is selected to suit the plant and the requirements for powder application and processing.
Heat treatment and component properties
1.2709 is hardened by means of a precipitation treatment. This results in the formation of fine precipitates within the material’s microstructure, which increase its strength and hardness. Depending on the initial condition and the required properties, solution annealing may also be carried out.
The achievable combination of hardness, strength and toughness depends on the manufacturing process and the heat treatment. The operating temperature and the duration of thermal stress should also be taken into account when selecting the material.
1.2709 steel powder in additive manufacturing
For the additive manufacturing using metal powders Grade 1.2709 provides a proven basis for the manufacture of complex tools and functional components. Laser powder bed fusion, in particular, enables geometries and internal structures that are otherwise only achievable through complex conventional manufacturing processes.
One key area of application is tool inserts with cooling channels that closely follow the contours. These can dissipate heat from the tool in a targeted manner and help to ensure more uniform temperature control. Powder quality, component design, process parameters and post-treatment are all coordinated to achieve this.
Areas of application in tool and mould making
Injection moulds and tool inserts
In the Machine and tool construction 1.2709 is used, amongst other things, for mould inserts in plastic injection moulding. The combination of additive manufacturing and subsequent machining enables customised mould geometries with precise functional surfaces.
Stamping and forming tools
Following appropriate heat treatment, the material is suitable for selected stamping and forming applications. The required hardness, mechanical stress and wear behaviour are decisive factors. Tool geometry and thermal stress must also be taken into account during the design process.
Components subject to high mechanical stress
1.2709 is also a suitable choice for specialised machine components and customised functional parts. Its properties can be tailored through manufacturing and heat treatment to suit applications where high strength is required alongside complex component geometries.
The right powder quality for your process
As well as grain size, particle shape, flowability and chemical composition all influence processing. With our tailor-made powder solutions We will help you to tailor your choice of materials to your plant, the quantity required and your documentation requirements.
Enquire about 1.2709 steel powder from NMD Metalpowders
Steel powder grade 1.2709 offers a wide range of possibilities for heavy-duty tools and custom-designed components. NMD Metalpowders combines many years’ experience in the metal powder industry with an international network of suppliers. We can advise you on material selection and assist with professional procurement in line with your technical specifications and required quantities.
Enquire about 1.2709 steel powder now and get personalised advice.
