GMP® SA508™

Low-Alloy Steel Powder for High-Strength Pressure Vessels

GMP SA508™ from Globus Metal Powders is a low-alloy steel powder optimised for high-strength, fracture-resistant components, particularly in pressure vessel and critical structural applications. Produced via argon inert gas atomisation, this powder features ultra-low oxygen content, tightly controlled minor elements, and optimised spherical particle morphology, enabling reliable PM-HIP consolidation, defect-free additive manufacturing, and near-net-shape component production. 

SA508 is extensively used in nuclear, marine, and high-pressure applications, where mechanical integrity, toughness, and dimensional stability are paramount. Its composition allows for precise heat treatments, providing superior fracture toughness, high yield strength, and uniform microstructure, ensuring components perform reliably under extreme pressure and thermal stress conditions. 

Differentiation

Across the Globus portfolio: 

• Versus nickel superalloys (718, 625, Alloy X, 939): GMP® SA508™ is designed for high-strength, moderate-temperature structural applications, whereas nickel superalloys target extreme temperature resistance, creep, and fatigue. 

• Versus precipitation-hardening steels (17-4PH, 15-5PH, 13-8Mo): While PH steels provide high-strength and corrosion resistance, SA508 emphasises fracture toughness and structural integrity under pressure. 

• Versus stainless steels (316L, F53, 415): These steels focus on corrosion resistance, whereas SA508 is engineered for mechanical performance in demanding pressure-bearing components. 

• Versus ferritic-martensitic steels (P91, EUROFER97): P91 and EUROFER97 excel at high-temperature structural stability, whereas SA508 is optimised for fracture-resistant, high-strength pressure vessels. 

• Compared to GMP® 36™, which is selected for low thermal expansion, while SA508 prioritises mechanical strength and toughness. 

GMP® ultra-low oxygen powders with tightly controlled minor elements reduce oxide inclusions and internal voids, ensuring defect-free densification and predictable microstructure. The spherical particle morphology and optimised PSD guarantee uniform packing, consistent flow, and reliable layer deposition for PM-HIP, additive manufacturing, and MIM processes.