CNPC launches high thermal and electric conductive Al0407 aluminium powder for Additive Manufacturing
May 15, 2025
CNPC Powder, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with production facilities in China, has launched CNPC-Al0407, a new aluminium alloy powder for Additive Manufacturing. The alloy is reported to offer high thermal and electrical conductivity, alongside excellent mechanical properties.
The optimised aluminium alloy powder achieves a conductivity exceeding 50% IACS and a thermal conductivity as high as 200 W/m·K. It is reported to exhibit excellent flowability and formability during Additive Manufacturing, enabling high-precision fabrication of complex structures. The material is compatible with mainstream Additive Manufacturing technologies, including Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB).
Low oxygen content and high flowability also ensure stable Additive Manufacturing processes, allowing users to achieve part density exceeding 99.5% and reduce post-processing costs.
The powder is produced using CNPC Powder’s proprietary AMP (Automated Metal Production) process. This technology ensures precise control of alloy composition ratios, guaranteeing consistent high performance across all production batches, while significantly enhancing production efficiency.
Compared to traditional gas atomisation methods such as VIGA (Vacuum Induction Gas Atomisation) and EIGA (Electrode Induction Gas Atomisation), the AMP process reportedly demonstrates higher sphericity and flowability, minimal satellite particles, and optimised AM performance. The process results in over 60% yield in target particle size and supports continuous and efficient production, with shorter cycle times also helping to reduce costs.
Applications
CNPC-Al0407 is intended for use in sectors such as electronics and telecommunications, new energy vehicles, aerospace, and other high-end manufacturing sectors.
With high electrical conductivity, the alloy is said to meet requirements for precision circuits, electromagnetic shielding, and conductive connectors. Its high thermal conductivity enables efficient heat dissipation, reduces operating temperatures, enhances device stability and lifespan, and significantly boosts system performance.
Combining excellent thermal performance with the low density of aluminium alloy, CNPC-Al0407 can be used to produce lightweight heat exchangers for aerospace and automotive electronics. It is also ideal for thermally sensitive components such as electronic chip heat sinks and LED cooling modules.
