| contents page | news | events | advertisers’ index | contact |
Particle shape in AM
Beyond particle size: Exploring the influence of particle shape on metal powder performance In recent years much effort has been put into developing powders that are optimised for AM processes. As a result, a far greater understanding of the complex requirements for powders now exists. Particle size is widely recognised as a key property, but there is also an appreciation that particle shape has an important role to play. As Malvern Panalytical’s Debbie Huck-Jones and Cathryn Langley explain, finer particles are advantageous from the perspective of packing behaviour, but are typically associated with poor flowability, compromising processing efficiency. Controlling particle shape can help to alleviate this problem.
Additive Manufacturing has evolved over the last decade into a commercially viable manufacturing process with particular utility for the creation of novel and complex parts with intricate geometries and for the production of low-to-medium volumes of small components at competitive cost. Exploiting the full potential of AM relies on the availability of a consistent supply of suitably specified metal powders, particularly for applications in highly regulated industries such as the aerospace and biomedical sectors. As a result, much effort has been invested in the identification of robust correlations between powder properties and their performance in AM processes, and in learning how to manufacture powders that meet these demanding specifications. Particle characterisation technology is essential for optimising AM powders and ensuring consistent, high quality production. Particle size is a key property, but there is widespread recognition that particle shape also has an important role to play; finer particles are advanta-
Vol. 3 No. 4 Š 2017 Inovar Communications Ltd
geous from the perspective of packing behaviour, but are typically associated with poor flowability, which can compromise processing efficiency. Controlling particle shape can help to alleviate this problem. In this article, the impact
of particle size and shape on metal powder performance is considered, highlighting the value of automated imaging in quantifying particle shape. Case study data illustrates what can be measured and the insight gained.
Fig. 1 AM relies on the availability of a consistent supply of suitably specified metal powders, particularly for applications in highly regulated industries such as the aerospace and biomedical sectors (Photo courtesy EOS GmbH)
Metal Additive Manufacturing | Winter 2017
99