Top 10 Companies in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Industry (2026): Market Leaders Fueling Advanced Manufacturing

In Business Insights
January 31, 2026


The Global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is poised for significant expansion, with projections indicating a substantial rise from its valuation in 2025 to a multi-million dollar market by 2034, growing at a notable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). This robust growth trajectory is being propelled by the escalating demand for nickel-free, biocompatible materials in the medical industry, the precision requirements of 3D printing (Additive Manufacturing), and the expanding applications in wearable electronics and consumer devices.

As industries worldwide pivot towards materials that offer superior corrosion resistance without the allergenic risks associated with nickel, the focus intensifies on the key manufacturers shaping the supply chain. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Industry—a group of established metallurgy giants and specialized powder producers driving innovation in material science.

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🔟 1. GKN Powder Metallurgy

Headquarters: Radevormwald, Germany
Key Offering: Nickel-free stainless steel powders for MIM (Metal Injection Molding) and AM

GKN Powder Metallurgy, operating under the new entity Syncreon, is a global leader in metal powder production. The company supplies high-quality, custom-engineered non-nickel stainless steel powders that are critical for manufacturing complex, high-strength components used in medical implants and aerospace applications.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Advanced powder atomization technologies for superior sphericity and flowability

  • Strong focus on biocompatible grades for medical and dental implants

  • Strategic partnerships with major automotive and industrial clients


9️⃣ 2. Outokumpu

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Forta LDX 2101® and other nickel-lean/nickel-free stainless steel grades

Outokumpu is a pioneer in sustainable stainless steel, renowned for developing lean duplex steels that minimize nickel content. While primarily a mill producer, their expertise in alloy design feeds into the powder production ecosystem, providing the raw material base for specialized powder manufacturers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Leadership in circular economy, with a high proportion of recycled content in production

  • Development of alloys resistant to harsh environments, reducing lifecycle costs


8️⃣ 3. Höganäs AB

Headquarters: Höganäs, Sweden
Key Offering: Stainless steel powder grades including low-nickel variants

As one of the world’s largest metal powder producers, Höganäs possesses deep expertise in powder metallurgy. The company offers a range of stainless steel powders and is actively involved in developing solutions that meet specific customer requirements for corrosion resistance and mechanical properties in nickel-restricted applications.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Extensive R&D in powder characteristics for Press-and-Sinter and MIM processes

  • Global production footprint ensuring supply chain reliability


7️⃣ 4. Sandvik Materials Technology

Headquarters: Sandviken, Sweden
Key Offering: Osprey® metal powders, including specialty stainless steels

Sandvik’s Osprey brand is synonymous with high-performance gas-atomized metal powders. Their product portfolio includes specialized stainless steel powders engineered for demanding applications in additive manufacturing, where precise control over powder chemistry, including nickel content, is paramount.

Innovation and Market Focus:

  • Proprietary gas atomization process for highly spherical, low-oxygen powders

  • Focus on high-value sectors like oil & gas, aerospace, and medical technology

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6️⃣ 5. JFE Steel Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Stainless steel powders for various industrial applications

JFE Steel, a major Japanese steel producer, has a dedicated division for advanced materials, including metal powders. The company supplies stainless steel powders to the Asian market, catering to the growing demand from the electronics and automotive industries for reliable, corrosion-resistant components made via powder metallurgy.

Market Strategy:

  • Strong focus on the Asia-Pacific region’s manufacturing hub

  • Investment in R&D for next-generation powder metallurgy alloys


5️⃣ 6. HLPOWDER

Headquarters: Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
Key Offering: Nickel-free stainless steel powder (e.g., 430L, 409L grades)

HLPOWDER is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in a wide array of metal powders. The company has developed significant capacity for producing nickel-free ferritic stainless steel powders, which are increasingly favored for their cost-effectiveness and suitability for applications where nickel allergies are a concern.

Market Position:

  • Major supplier to the domestic Chinese MIM and PM industries

  • Competitive pricing strategy for volume-driven markets


4️⃣ 7. Kintai New Materials

Headquarters: Luoyang, Henan, China
Key Offering: Customized non-nickel stainless steel powders for 3D printing

Kintai New Materials is an emerging player focused on advanced materials for additive manufacturing. The company specializes in producing high-purity, spherical metal powders, including nickel-free stainless steel variants tailored for the specific melting and solidification characteristics of laser-based 3D printing systems.

Specialization:

  • Tailored powder solutions for the burgeoning Chinese AM market

  • Emphasis on powder quality control for repeatable printing results


3️⃣ 8. Carpenter Technology Corporation

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Premium specialty alloys including nickel-controlled stainless steels

Carpenter Technology, through its Carpenter Additive division, is a key supplier of premium metal powders for critical applications. While renowned for high-performance alloys, the company’s expertise extends to producing stainless steel powders with carefully controlled chemistries to meet specific regulatory and performance standards in aerospace and healthcare.

Value Proposition:

  • Leadership in producing powders for highly regulated industries

  • Strong technical support and alloy development services


2️⃣ 9. Daido Steel Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
Key Offering: High-grade steel powders for PM and MIM processes

Daido Steel is a major Japanese specialty steelmaker with a significant presence in the powder metallurgy sector. The company produces a variety of steel powders and has the capability to manufacture low-nickel stainless steel powders that meet the stringent quality requirements of Japanese automotive and electronics manufacturers.

Core Competencies:

  • Vertically integrated production from melting to powder atomization

  • Focus on high-purity powders with consistent lot-to-lot quality


1️⃣ 10. Pound Met Inc.

Headquarters: Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective stainless steel powders for various industries

Pound Met is a specialized manufacturer of metal injection molding (MIM) feedstocks and metal powders. The company supplies nickel-free stainless steel powders, such as 410L and 430L, which are widely used for producing complex, net-shape parts for consumer electronics, hardware, and industrial applications where magnetic properties or nickel sensitivity are considerations.

Market Role:

  • Provider of economical powder solutions for high-volume MIM production

  • Growing export business to international markets

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Is Driven by Specialization and Sustainability

The non-nickel stainless steel powder market is experiencing a strategic shift from being a niche alternative to becoming a mainstream material choice. The convergence of regulatory pressures, technological advancements in manufacturing, and growing end-user awareness about material safety is creating a fertile ground for sustained growth.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rise of Biocompatible Applications: Increased use in medical implants, surgical tools, and dental devices due to excellent biocompatibility and MRI compatibility.

  • Additive Manufacturing Adoption: Growing preference for nickel-free powders in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and binder jetting processes for producing custom medical and aerospace components.

  • Supply Chain Diversification: Efforts by manufacturers in North America and Europe to build resilient supply chains, reducing dependency on single geographic sources.

  • Alloy Development: Continuous R&D to improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of nickel-free grades to match or exceed their nickel-containing counterparts.

Get Full Report Here:
Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies leading this market are not just supplying a material; they are enabling a new generation of safer, more sustainable, and high-performance products across global industries.