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Fe2Ni

Fe2Ni is a cost-efficient iron-nickel low-alloy steel with 2% nickel as the primary alloying element, specially optimized for MIM mass production of low-load structural and soft magnetic components.

Typical Chemical Composition (Weight %)

  • Nickel (Ni): 1.5%–2.5% – Improves sintering densification, ductility, dimensional stability and mild corrosion resistance
  • Carbon (C): ≤0.10% / 0.40–0.60% (adjustable by application)
  • Trace elements: Mn ≤1.0%, Si ≤1.0%, S ≤0.03%, P ≤0.035%
  • Balance: Iron (Fe)

Core Material Properties

  1. Excellent MIM Sintering Performance Spherical Fe2Ni powder has superior fluidity. After debinding and vacuum sintering, it achieves high density above 7.5 g/cm³, uniform shrinkage and low dimensional deviation, ideal for miniature complex thin-walled precision parts.
  2. Soft Magnetic Characteristics Ferromagnetic soft magnetic alloy with high saturation flux density (Bs＞1.7T), moderate permeability and high Curie temperature (~720°C). Suitable for magnetic yokes, sensor cores and miniature motor components.
  3. Tunable Mechanical Strength
  • As-sintered state: Low hardness (90–110 HV), high ductility (elongation ≥25%)
  • After quenching & tempering: Hardness up to 600 HV, significantly improved tensile strength and wear resistance for mechanical functional parts
  1. Good Dimensional Stability Low thermal expansion coefficient similar to Invar alloy, less thermal deformation under temperature cycling, meeting tight tolerance requirements for precision instruments.
  2. Basic Corrosion Resistance Better rust resistance than plain carbon steel, but far inferior to 304/316 stainless steel. Surface coating (plating, nitriding) is required for humid or corrosive environments.
  3. Wide Operating Temperature Range Stable mechanical and magnetic properties from -40°C to 200°C, applicable for automotive and electronic components with variable working temperatures.

Machining & MIM Process Adaptability

  1. Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Low nickel content reduces raw material cost greatly vs Fe8Ni. Fe2Ni feedstock easily forms tiny gears, magnetic brackets and structural inserts without cracking during sintering. Vacuum sintering prevents oxidation and carbon imbalance defects.
  2. Compatible Surface Treatments Supports polishing, sandblasting, electroplating, carburizing and nitriding; nitriding effectively upgrades surface hardness and anti-rust capacity.
  3. Heat Treatment Options
  • Stress relief: Remove sintering internal stress
  • Quenching + tempering: Boost hardness and wear resistance for load-bearing mechanical parts
  • Carburizing/nitriding: Surface hardening without changing core toughness

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Ultra-low raw material cost, 40%–50% cheaper than Fe8Ni low-alloy steel
  • Stable sinter shrinkage, high dimensional consistency for high-volume MIM production
  • Balanced ductility and strength in as-sintered state
  • Outstanding soft magnetic performance for electromagnetic assemblies
  • Adjustable hardness via heat treatment for dual structural/magnetic use

Disadvantages

  • Poor natural corrosion resistance; protective coating mandatory for wet environments
  • Fully ferromagnetic, cannot be used for magnetic-sensitive electronic equipment
  • No resistance to salt spray, acid and alkaline media
  • Lower toughness and corrosion resistance than stainless steel grades

Typical Applications

  1. Electromagnetic Components: Miniature motor cores, sensor magnetic yokes, actuator brackets
  2. Precision Transmission Parts: Low-load small gears, gear sleeves, connecting pins
  3. Consumer Electronics: Micro structural fasteners, internal equipment supports
  4. Automotive Parts: Low-stress interior structural fittings, miniature sensor housings
  5. Industrial Tools: Low-load crimping inserts, small hand tool blades