The material strength behind the highlights of the National Games: the professional application of iron powder and stainless steel powder
Time: 2026-01-22
Technological Empowerment at the 15th National Games: Metal Powders as the "Invisible Cornerstone"
When the torch of the 15th National Games (2025) is lit in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, every breakthrough and shining moment on the field is inseparable from the silent empowerment of scientific and technological innovation. From the widely acclaimed "Bloom" torch to the officially licensed commemorative gold products with collection value, from athletes' professional equipment to the core components of venues, the extensive application of advanced processes such as metal 3D printing and Metal Injection Molding (MIM) has been recognized by numerous spectators. Behind all these technological achievements, the strong support of metal powder—this core foundational material—is indispensable.
Torch "Bloom": Metal Powders Uphold Technological Aesthetics and Stable Performance
The "Bloom" torch of this National Games is a typical example of the integration of technology and culture. Inspired by Guangzhou's "Canton Tower" (affectionately known as "Xiaomanyao" or "Slender Waist"), this golden torch stands at a total height of 760mm and has a net weight of 1.6kg. With its smooth streamlined design and lightweight texture, it has become a highly watched symbol during the torch relay. The key to achieving this design breakthrough lies in the seamless collaboration between metal 3D printing technology and high-quality stainless steel powder, iron powder, and copper powder.
To balance complex structure, reliable strength, and lightweight requirements, the main body of the torch is made of aluminum alloy powder through 3D printing. While ensuring sturdiness, it reasonably reduces weight, making it easier for torchbearers to carry during the relay. The top of the torch faces the high temperature of over 1000℃ from the flame; the R&D team used stainless steel powder and 3D printing technology to manufacture this part, ensuring heat-resistant stability during combustion. The special golden high-temperature-resistant coating sprayed on the outer surface not only gives the torch a warm texture but also reduces carbon deposition after high-temperature combustion, making it convenient for torchbearers to keep as a souvenir.
From the main body to the core components, metal powders with different properties, through precise proportioning and combination with 3D printing technology, have not only solved the problem of complex structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional processes but also achieved the dual improvement of "aesthetics and practicality," demonstrating the solid strength of China's industrial materials.
It is worth mentioning that the core load-bearing structure of the main torch tower of this National Games is also constructed using 3D printing technology, whose manufacturing relies on the support of high-strength alloy powder—turning the entire ignition ceremony into a brilliant showcase of technological achievements. From the torch relay to the lighting of the main tower, metal powder, as an "invisible cornerstone," witnesses the mutual advancement of the sports spirit and technological power.
Licensed Commemorative Gold: Metal Powders Craft Imprints of Glory
Beyond the torch, the officially licensed colored gold and commemorative gold products launched for the first time at this National Games also embody the technological ingenuity of metal powders. Taking "Passionate National Games, Dynamic Greater Bay Area" as the inspiration, the three new licensed products feature 43 mascot sports poses and include designs such as 1-kilogram commemorative medals, becoming important carriers of the event's glory.
Inside and Outside the Venues: Metal Powders Empower Diverse Technological Applications
The technological empowerment of the National Games extends beyond torches and commemorative collectibles. In the athletes' equipment system, lightweight protective gear used in some events is made of titanium alloy powder through 3D printing. Leveraging the high density of powder materials and the structural optimization of 3D printing, it reduces the weight of the protective gear while enhancing its protective performance, providing support for athletes to perform at their best.
In the core facilities of the competition venues, the stable magnetic performance of the neodymium magnet low-frequency drive units in the audio system relies on the precise proportioning of rare earth metal powders. The special-shaped connectors in some venues are manufactured using the MIM (Metal Injection Molding) process, with metal powder as the raw material. This enables the integrated molding of complex structures, ensuring connection strength while reducing processing difficulty and costs.
These application scenarios vividly illustrate the diverse value of metal powders: it is not only an important raw material for 3D printing technology but also a key support for improving performance in the field of high-end manufacturing.
The sports spirit lies in the unceasing pursuit of breakthroughs, and manufacturing innovation lies in the pursuit of excellence. As the passion of the National Games ignites the spark of innovation, metal powder, with its unique value, is becoming an important bridge connecting technology and reality, providing impetus for the development of "Made in China" in more fields.