Characterization and flowability methods for metal powders

Abstract

With the rise of additive technologies, the characterization of metal powders is increasingly required. There is a need to precisely match the properties of metal powders to a specific machine and to ensure highly consistent production. Therefore, the study aims at a detailed characterization of ten metal powders (Metal powder 316 L, Zn, Sn, Al, Cu, Mn, Fe, Bronze, Ti and Mo powder), for which the particle size distribution, morphology, static and dynamic angle of repose and the effective internal friction angle (AIFE) were determined. The AIFE parameter and flow index were determined from three commonly used rotary shear devices: The computer-controlled Ring Shear Tester RST-01. pc, the Brookfield PFT Powder Flow Tester and the FT4 Powder rheometer. The results showed that the values ​​for the device of one manufacturer did not fully correspond to the values ​​of another one. The flow characteristics of the metal powders were quantified from the particle size distribution data, static angle of repose, and AIFE data. According to the particle size distribution and angle of repose (AOR), 50% of the tested metal powders fell into the free-flowing mode. According to the evaluation of AIFE, 20% of the samples fell into the lower area. Based on the flow indexes calculated from the measurements of the shear devices used, 100% (RST-01.pc), 70% (PFT) and 50% (FT4) of the samples were included in the free-flowing category. When comparing the results, attention should be paid not only to the nature of the material, but also to the methodology and equipment used. A comparison of methodologies revealed similarities in the changing behavior of the different metal powders. A comparison of effective angles of AIFE and static AOR was shown, and a hypothesis of the conversion relation was derived.

Experimental investigation on powder processing and its flow properties of AlSi10Mg alloy with niobium carbide for additive manufacturing

“…The equations (1) to (5) are used to calculate the flow properties of composite powders. 24–26 Figure 4(a) compares the apparent and tapped density of AlSi10Mg with 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% NbC. Apparent density ‘ ρ AD ’ and tapped density ‘ ρ TD ’ can be found to increase slightly with an increase in NbC concentration up to 6%.…”

“…The equations (1) to ( 5) are used to calculate the flow properties of composite powders. [24][25][26] ρ AD = m loose powder V loose powder…”

Wood pellets transport with vibrating conveyor: experimental for DEM simulations analysis

“…Table 6 provides the static angle of repose (AOR) values together with classification into individual flow modes 39 .…”

“…The table shows that all samples, except the CP sample, fall under the Free flowing mode of the evaluation methodology 40 . This flow mode is suitable for the transport and handling of samples.…”

Influence of Planetary Ball Mill Parameters on Powder Flowability of AlSi10Mg with Niobium Carbide Using Central Composite Design (CCD)

“…e atomized powder properties must be addressed based on the processability criterion to ensure the component's print quality [2]. e properties of the powder comprise the owability, the density of the powder (apparent density and tapped density), particle shape (morphology), the powder synthesis process, and the particle size distribution (PSD) that a ect the building of the powder layer on the platform.…”