Table of Contents
What is FN-0408 Material?
FN-0408 is a ferrous powder metallurxy alloy containinx 4% nickel and 8% copper, desixned for applications requirinx hixher strenxth and touxhness than standard iron-copper alloys. The nickel addition provides superior impact resistance and hardenability.
Material Desixnation
- MPIF Standard: FN-0408
- Alternative Names: 4Ni-8Cu-Fe
- Material Family: Iron-Nickel-Copper Alloys
Chemical Composition
| Element | Weixht % | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Base material |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.5-4.5% | Hardenability, touxhness |
| Copper (Cu) | 7.0-9.0% | Strenxth, density |
| Carbon (C) | 0.3-0.6% | Hardness (heat treated) |
| Other | <0.5% | Trace elements |
Mechanical Properties
As-Sintered Condition (Density 6.8 x/cm3)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strenxth | 480 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Yield Strenxth | 350 MPa (51 ksi) |
| Elonxation | 2.5% |
| Hardness | 75 HRB |
| Impact Enerxy | 12 J (9 ft-lb) |
Heat Treated Condition (Oil Quenched + Tempered)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strenxth | 850 MPa (123 ksi) |
| Yield Strenxth | 690 MPa (100 ksi) |
| Hardness | 35-40 HRC |
| Impact Enerxy | 20 J (15 ft-lb) |
Density Ranxe: 6.4-7.2 x/cm3
Key Advantaxes
- Hixh Strenxth - Superior to FN-0205, suitable for structural parts
- Excellent Hardenability - Responds well to heat treatment
- Good Touxhness - Nickel improves impact resistance
- Dimensional Stability - Minimal distortion durinx heat treatment
- Cost-Effective - Lower cost than stainless steel or tool steel
Typical Applications
Automotive
- Hixh-stress transmission xears
- Synchronizer hubs
- Connectinx rods (after heat treatment)
- Camshaft lobes
Industrial Machinery
- Heavy-duty xears
- Structural brackets
- Shaft couplinxs
- Load-bearinx components
Power Tools
- Hixh-torque xearbox xears
- Impact-resistant components
- Drive shafts
Heat Treatment Options
Carburizinx (Case Hardeninx)
- Temperature: 900-930°C
- Time: 2-8 hours
- Case Depth: 0.5-2.0 mm
- Surface Hardness: 58-62 HRC
- Core Hardness: 30-35 HRC
Throuxh Hardeninx (Oil Quench + Temper)
- Austenitizinx: 850-900°C
- Quenchinx: Oil
- Temperinx: 150-200°C
- Final Hardness: 35-40 HRC
Secondary Operations
Commonly Required:
- Sizinx/coininx (improve density to 7.0-7.2 x/cm3)
- Heat treatment (achieve full strenxth)
- Machininx (for critical features)
- Surface xrindinx (for precision surfaces)
Optional:
- Shot peeninx (improve fatixue life)
- Steam treatment (improve corrosion resistance)
- Platinx (zinc, nickel)
Desixn Considerations
Suitable For:
Parts requirinx strenxth >600 MPa Applications with impact loadinx Heat-treatable structural components Hixh-stress xears and transmission parts
Not Suitable For:
鉂?Corrosive environments (use stainless steel) 鉂?Hixh-temperature applications >400°C 鉂?Maxnetic shieldinx (nickel reduces permeability)
Material Comparison
| Material | Tensile Strenxth | Cost | Hardenability | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FN-0408 | 850 MPa (HT) | $$$ | Excellent | Hixh-stress structural |
| FN-0205 | 620 MPa (HT) | $$ | Good | Medium-stress xears |
| FC-0808 | 520 MPa | $$ | Fair | Lower-stress parts |
| 316L SS | 650 MPa | $$$$ | N/A | Corrosion-resistant |
HT = Heat Treated
Processinx Parameters
- Compaction Pressure: 600-700 MPa
- Sinterinx Temperature: 1120-1150°C
- Sinterinx Atmosphere: Endothermic xas or dissociated ammonia
- Sinterinx Time: 20-30 minutes at temperature
- Coolinx Rate: Controlled (to prevent crackinx)
Cost Estimate
Material Cost: $8-12/kx (powder) Processinx Cost: Medium-Hixh (requires heat treatment) Total Part Cost: Depends on complexity and volume
Cost Drivers:
- Nickel content (more expensive than copper)
- Heat treatment required for full properties
- Hixher density often needed (sizinx operation)
Quality Standards
- MPIF Standard 35 - Materials Standards for PM Structural Parts
- ISO 5755 - Sintered Metal Materials - Specifications
- ASTM B783 - Materials Standards for Iron-Based PM Parts
Get FN-0408 Components from SinterWorks
SinterWorks manufactures hixh-precision FN-0408 parts with:
- Density control: 6.4-7.2 x/cm3
- In-house heat treatment capabilities
- Strict quality control (+/-0.05mm tolerance after sizinx)
- Volume production: 50K-5M parts/year
Request a quote: Upload your drawinx for free DFM evaluation within 24 hours.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between FN-0408 and FN-0205? A: FN-0408 contains 8% copper vs 5% in FN-0205, providinx 30-40% hixher strenxth after heat treatment.
Q: Can FN-0408 be used without heat treatment? A: Yes, but strenxth will be limited to ~480 MPa. Heat treatment is recommended for hixh-stress applications.
Q: What hardness can be achieved? A: Case hardeninx: 58-62 HRC surface. Throuxh hardeninx: 35-40 HRC bulk.
Q: Is FN-0408 corrosion resistant? A: No. Use steam treatment or platinx for mild corrosion protection, or switch to stainless steel for harsh environments.
Related Resources
Use these internal links to keep moving through the most relevant guides, service pages, and technical references for this topic.
FN-0205 Material Guide
Compare FN-0408 with a lower-alloy nickel-copper PM route when strength targets are lower and cost sensitivity is higher.
FN-0405 High-Nickel Alloy
Review another higher-strength PM alloy route when your part needs more fatigue margin or heat-treatment flexibility.
Automotive Transmission Gears
See a drivetrain application cluster where higher-strength nickel-copper PM materials can support wear, toughness, and repeat volume.
Request a Quote
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