Projektinitiativ #27: Tailored powder behavior test for AM metal powder ( 6 kommentarer)

The behavior of the metal powder in the additive manufacturing (AM) process is crucial for the functionality of the process and quality of the manufactured part. The industry lacks a test method corresponding to the powder behavior in the AM process.

Alexander Angré presents the initative during the 2017 conference

Traditionally properties like flow are used to describe the powder behavior. However the powder fractions used for powder bed AM are much finer than the traditional PM HIP or sinter powders and are therefore less suited for methods like Hall flow where they have a tendency of not flowing. Despite not flowing in the Hall flow meter, the powder can still be functioning well in the AM process, suggesting that the method does not reflect the powder behavior in the machine very well.

As the AM industry is rapidly growing and the area of use is expanding, it is clear that a test method closer corresponding to the behavior of the powder in the machine, e.g. during spreading, is needed in order to qualify the powder before using it in the machine and to compare different powders in an applied, structured and controlled way. The aim of the project is to develop such a test method.

Namn Alexander Angré
Organisation Swerea KIMAB

Kommentar #1

We fully agree with the objective of this proposal. it is of crucial importance to enable adequate correlation between powder function in AM machine and off-line flow characterizations. A test-bed with realistic machine conditions where powder performance is monitored will support such correlation and validate the relevance of different flow characterization methods that can be utilized.

Namn Ola Lyckfeldt
Organisation Swerea IVF

Kommentar #2

It could be of great interest of the Swedish PM-manufacturers and institutes to, in a longer perspective, have the powder specifications and the test methods for powder characteristcs of AM-powders standardised. Please consider the need of developing standards in parallell to the developing of test methods for powder characteristics and the powder specifications within this initiative. Sweden is holding and chairing the secretariat of ISO/TC 119 which is the proper channel for international PM-standardisation.

Namn Otto Björnberg
Organisation SIS. Swedish Standards Institute

Kommentar #3

We believe that the idea behind this project is very interesting. There have been quite many discussions on the topic, from both AM system manufactures and powder suppliers. Such a tailored made test method could be beneficial for both development purposes and standardization or quality control of the feedstock material. It would be a nice initiative for the Swedish industry.

Namn Christos Oikonomou
Organisation Uddeholms AB

Kommentar #4

It could be very interesting project. We need methods which are sensitive and can clearly show even small variations in powder flowability and other properties. It will help to gain more knowledge about connection between powder characteristics and its applicability in different AM machines.

Namn Andrei Chychko
Organisation Erasteel Kloster AB

Kommentar #5

We support this Project. A test method that can give a flowability/spreadability value that then can be compared with a value required in different AM Machines with different methods for laying out the powder would be the ultimate goal. Standardizing such a test would then be the natural next step.

Namn Björn-Olof Bengtsson
Organisation Carpenter Powder Products AB

Kommentar #6

Project of high interest and importance. Understanding of flowability of powder during AM mfg is crucial for the performance of the built part. Standardized method or method to bridge the gap between powder and powder- bed requirement is needed

Namn Sigurd Berg
Organisation Höganäs AB