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Characterization and Control of Powder Properties for Additive Manufacturing

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Abstract

Powder characterization and handling in powder metallurgy are important issues and the required powder properties will vary between different component manufacturing processes. By understanding and controlling these, the final material properties for different applications can be improved and become more reliable. In this study, the metal powders used in additive manufacturing (AM) in terms of electron beam melting and selective laser melting have been investigated regarding particle size and shape using dynamic image analysis. In parallel, powder flow characteristics have been evaluated with a powder rheometer. Correlations within the results have been found between particle shape and powder flow characteristics that could explain certain effects of the powder processing in the AM processes. The impact, however, in the processing performance as well as in ultimate material properties was found to be limited.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Swerea 3D,3 a project within the Swerea group of research institutes, aimed to promoting the development and spreading of additive manufacturing in Sweden.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swerea Kimab AB, Box 7047, 164 07, Kista, Sweden

    A. Strondl

  2. Swerea IVF AB, 431 22, Mölndal, Sweden

    O. Lyckfeldt

  3. Siemens AB, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery AB, 612 83, Finspång, Sweden

    H. Brodin

  4. Arcam AB, Krokslätts Fabriker 27A, 431 37, Mölndal, Sweden

    U. Ackelid

Authors
  1. A. Strondl
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  2. O. Lyckfeldt
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  3. H. Brodin
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  4. U. Ackelid
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to O. Lyckfeldt.

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Strondl, A., Lyckfeldt, O., Brodin, H. et al. Characterization and Control of Powder Properties for Additive Manufacturing. JOM 67, 549–554 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1304-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1304-0

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