SS304 vs SS316L vs Nickel – Which Porous Metal Filter Material Is Best for You ？

1. Why Porous Metal Filter Material Matters

Porous metal filters, or sintered metal filters, are made by bonding fine metal powders into a strong, uniform porous structure. They allow gases or liquids to flow while capturing contaminants — ideal for demanding industrial processes.

The filter material determines its corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and service life. Temperature resistance and pressure tolerance are critical factors influenced by the choice of raw materials.

Common choices like SS304, SS316L, and Nickel alloys each have unique strengths for different environments. Stainless steel is widely used for its durability, while copper offers superior heat conduction but at a higher cost, and other alloys are available for specialized needs. Selecting the right metals and raw materials is essential, as these directly impact the filter's performance and longevity.

Used across semiconductor, pharmaceutical, chemical, hydrogen, and compressed air systems, the right choice ensures stability and reliability. Porous metal filters are made up of several components, including the filter housing and flow restrictors, and these porous metal components work together to ensure optimal filtration.

If you’re unsure whether SS304, SS316L, or Nickel fits your system, this guide will help you decide.

2. What Are Porous Metal Filters Made Of?

Porous metal filters are produced through a process called metal powder sintering — where fine metal particles are heated below their melting point until they fuse together. This creates a solid but porous structure without using binders or adhesives, ensuring high purity and mechanical strength. The fabrication of porous metal filters involves precise control over the form and structure of the filter to achieve the desired pore sizes and performance.

The most common materials used include:

*Stainless Steels (SS304, SS316L, SS310, SS321): durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective for general industrial use.

*Nickel and Nickel Alloys (Monel, Inconel, Hastelloy): ideal for high-temperature or corrosive chemical environments.

*Titanium and Bronze: used in specialized or biocompatible applications, offering unique strength-to-weight and non-magnetic properties.

Porous metals such as stainless steel, nickel alloys, and other metals can be manufactured into various porous metal components using extremely fine metal powder to create a uniform porous structure.

Each material’s composition and microstructure influence the filter’s pore uniformity, mechanical strength, and resistance to thermal stress, making material selection a key factor in achieving long-term, stable filtration performance.

The manufacture of these filters allows for customization of pore sizes and shapes to meet specific application requirements.

3. Comparison Table: Common Materials and Their Key Properties

Selecting the right porous metal filter material means balancing performance, durability, and cost. Each metal offers distinct advantages depending on the chemical environment, operating temperature, and mechanical strength required.

The table below summarizes the most commonly used materials — from economical stainless steels to high-performance nickel alloys and titanium — helping you quickly compare their key characteristics and ideal applications.

Other alloys, such as specialty stainless steels or custom blends, are also available for demanding environments and can offer unique properties like enhanced corrosion resistance or very high mechanical strength.

Tip: As temperature and corrosion resistance increase, so does the cost — understanding your process conditions helps choose the most cost-effective material.

The choice of raw materials directly affects the filter's performance, durability, and cost.

4. How to Choose the Right Porous Metal Filter Material

Choosing the right material for your porous metal filter starts with a clear understanding of your application environment. The wrong choice can lead to corrosion, clogging, or reduced lifespan — while the right one ensures stable, long-term performance.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you decide:

1.Identify the fluid or gas 

– Know what medium you’re filtering: air, solvent, corrosive gas, or steam (different fluids, including aggressive chemicals

or high-purity gases, may require specific material choices).

2.Define temperature and pressure conditions 

– Higher heat or pressure demands stronger, more stable materials like Nickel or Hastelloy.

3.Evaluate chemical compatibility 

– Check if acids, alkalis, or chlorides are present; SS316L or Hastelloy performs best in aggressive environments.

4.Consider cleaning and maintenance

 – If filters will be backwashed, ultrasonically cleaned, or acid-treated, select materials that resist fatigue and corrosion.

5.Balance cost vs performance

– SS304 offers great value for general use; premium alloys like Nickel or Titanium suit critical systems.

Manufacturers can also provide custom solutions to meet the specific needs of various industries.

Example selections:

*SS316L: Ideal for compressed air dryers, flue gas humidity transmitters, and chemical process gases.

*Nickel: Best for hydrogen filtration or high-temperature oxidation-resistant environments.

*Titanium: Recommended for ultrapure, biomedical, or high-purity analytical systems.

Tip: Always consult your process conditions before ordering — the right alloy means fewer failures and longer filter life.

When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, applying a specialized coating to the filter can enhance its durability and resistance to harsh cleaning processes.

5. Manufacturing and Quality Factors to Consider

The performance of a porous metal filter depends not only on its material but also on how it’s manufactured. The manufacture of porous metal components involves advanced techniques to ensure consistent quality and performance. High-quality filters require precise control of pore size, density, and structural integrity during production to ensure consistent flow and durability.

*Uniform Pore Distribution & Mechanical Integrity: 

 Consistent pore size ensures stable filtration performance, predictable flow rates, and high mechanical strength — essential for high-pressure or high-temperature systems.

*Controlled Sintering Process: 

Strict temperature and pressure control during sintering guarantee strong particle bonding without deformation. Compliance with ISO and ASTM standards ensures repeatable quality across batches.

*Surface Finishing Options: 

Processes like electropolishing, passivation, polishing, or coating improve corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, cleanliness, and ease of sterilization — especially important in pharmaceutical and food applications.

*OEM Customization: 

Leading manufacturers like HENGKO offer tailored solutions including adjustable pore size (0.2–100 μm), custom geometries, and various connection fittings (threaded, flanged, VCR, etc.) to match different system requirements. The manufacture of porous metal components often utilizes powder metallurgy techniques such as compaction and sintering to achieve controlled porosity and enhanced performance for diverse applications.

A well-controlled manufacturing process ensures every filter performs with the same precision, strength, and reliability — even in the harshest environments.

6. Filter Design and Configuration

Porous metal filters offer exceptional versatility in both design and configuration, making them a top choice for advanced filtration across a wide range of industries. Thanks to the sintering process, manufacturers can precisely control pore size, porosity, and overall geometry, allowing for the creation of filters in standard and custom sizes to meet unique application requirements. This flexibility ensures that each filter delivers the optimal balance of permeability, efficiency, and structural integrity.

When designing a porous metal filter, key factors such as material selection, pore size, and mechanical strength are carefully considered to match the demands of the process. For example, filters used in chemical processing or petroleum refining must withstand aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and high pressures—making corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength essential. In power generation and gas diffusion applications, custom solutions are often required to handle specific gases or liquids, maintain consistent flow control, and ensure reliable separation of contaminants.

Porous metal filters can also be engineered for specialized roles, such as flame arrestors or precision filtration in high-temperature environments. The ability to tailor pore size and filter configuration means that industries can achieve optimal performance, whether the goal is to maximize efficiency, extend service life, or meet strict regulatory standards. With the right design, porous metal filters provide durable, high-performance solutions for even the most challenging filtration tasks.

7. Applications Across Industries

Porous metal filters are trusted across a wide range of industries where precision, purity, and reliability are critical. Their robust structure and resistance to heat and corrosion make them suitable for both gas and liquid applications. They are widely used in industrial applications involving the filtration and flow control of various fluids, ensuring dependable performance in demanding environments.

*Compressed Air & Gas Purification: 

Remove oil mist, dust, and moisture to ensure clean, dry air in pneumatic and instrumentation systems.

*Catalyst Recovery & Chemical Filtration: 

Used in reactors and chemical plants to capture fine catalyst particles and resist corrosive solvents or acids.

*Semiconductor & Hydrogen Systems: 

Provide high-purity gas filtration and particle control under extreme temperatures and pressures.

*Pharmaceutical & Food-Grade Processes: 

Guarantee hygienic filtration, easy cleaning, and compliance with strict purity standards.

*Environmental Monitoring & Gas Analysis: 

Protect sensitive sensors and analyzers from particulates while maintaining fast, accurate gas flow.

Porous metal filters are especially effective in gas applications where blowback cleaning is required to maintain performance.

From compressed air to high-tech semiconductor fabs, porous metal filters play a vital role in keeping processes clean, safe, and efficient.

8. Maintenance and Cleaning of Porous Metal Filters

To ensure porous metal filters continue to deliver optimal performance, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. Over time, contaminants and debris can accumulate within the filter’s porous structure, reducing permeability and filtration efficiency. Routine cleaning—such as backflushing or blowback—helps dislodge and remove these trapped particles, restoring the filter’s original flow characteristics.

For more demanding applications or when dealing with stubborn contaminants, ultrasonic or chemical cleaning methods may be recommended. These processes can effectively clean deep within the filter’s pores without compromising the integrity of the metal or its porosity. It’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to avoid damaging the filter and to maintain its high level of performance.

Many porous metal filters are designed with features like cleaning indicators or integrated flush nozzles, making it easier to monitor filter condition and perform maintenance as needed. By maintaining the filter’s structure and permeability, industries benefit from longer filter life, reduced downtime, and improved process efficiency. For specific maintenance procedures or troubleshooting, it’s best to consult the filter manufacturer or a qualified service provider to ensure your porous metal filters continue to meet the highest standards of performance.

9. Why Choose HENGKO as Your Porous Metal Filter Partner

When it comes to high-performance porous metal filters, HENGKO stands out as a trusted source manufacturer with deep expertise in both design and sintering technology. Our engineering team focuses on delivering precision, reliability, and customization to meet the most demanding industrial needs.

*In-House Sintering & Design Capability: 

Complete control over the powder metallurgy and sintering process, with expertise in the manufacture of high-quality porous metal filters, ensures consistent pore structure, strength, and quality in every filter.

*Wide Material Range: 

From SS304 and SS316L to Nickel and Titanium, we supply materials optimized for diverse environments — from standard air systems to high-corrosion chemical plants.

*Custom OEM Solutions: 

We tailor every filter’s pore size, shape, and fitting to your process requirements, offering technical consultation for optimal performance and integration.

*Proven Industry Experience: 

HENGKO filters are widely used in semiconductor, hydrogen energy, pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental monitoring applications around the world. We serve various industries and can manufacture custom solutions to meet the specific needs of each client.

Partner with HENGKO to get not just a filter — but a complete, engineered filtration solution built for precision and longevity.

8. Conclusion

Choosing the right material for your porous metal filter is crucial to achieving long-term reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Each metal — whether SS304, SS316L, or Nickel alloy — offers unique strengths for different environments and processes. A careful match between your application conditions and filter material ensures stable performance and fewer maintenance issues.

Before placing an order, it’s always best to consult a filtration expert who understands your system’s fluid type, temperature, and chemical exposure. The right advice can extend your filter’s life and improve overall process safety.

Need help selecting the best material for your filtration system?
Contact our technical team at ka@hengko.com or visit www.hengko.com to discuss your application and receive a tailored filtration solution.