The 3D printing metal powder preparation method can be divided into: reduction method, electrolysis method, grinding method, atomization method, etc. according to the preparation process. At present, the two most advanced powder making processes commonly used in China are the argon atomization method and the plasma rotating electrode method.
1、Argon atomization
The argon atomization method is a pulverizing method that uses fast-flowing argon gas to impact metal liquid, break it into fine particles, and then condense into solid powder.
2，Plasma rotating electrode method
The plasma state is called the fourth state of matter. The plasma rotating electrode atomization (PREP method) powder making process can be simply described as: the metal or alloy is made into a consumable electrode. The end of the consumable electrode is in the coaxial plasma arc Under the action of the heating source, it melts to form a liquid film. The liquid film is thrown out at high speed under the action of rotating centrifugal force to form droplets. The molten droplets rub against the inert gas (argon or helium) in the atomization chamber, and further under the action of shear stress. Broken, and then the droplets are rapidly cooled and solidified into spherical powder under the action of surface tension.
What are the requirements for the performance of 3D printing Metal powder?
1. Purity
Impurities will significantly reduce the performance of the product. These impurities generally have a higher melting point, which is difficult to sinter and shape, so there must be no ceramic impurities in the powder.
In addition, the oxygen and nitrogen content also needs to be strictly controlled. At present, the powder preparation technology used for metal 3D printing is mainly based on the atomization method. The powder has a large specific surface area and is easy to oxidize. In special applications such as aerospace, customers have more stringent requirements for this indicator, such as high-temperature alloy powder. The oxygen content is 0.006%-0.018%, the oxygen content of the titanium alloy powder is 0.007%-0.013%, and the oxygen content of the stainless steel powder is 0.010%-0.025%.
2. particle size distribution of powder
Different 3D printing equipment and forming processes have different requirements for powder particle size distribution. At present, the commonly used powder particle size range for metal 3D printing is 15-53μm (fine powder), 53-105μm (coarse powder). Tn some cases, it can be widened to 105-150μm (coarse powder).
3. Powder morphology
The morphology of the powder is closely related to the preparation method of the powder. Generally, when a metal gas or molten liquid is transformed into a powder, the shape of the powder particles tends to be spherical. When a solid state becomes a powder, the powder particles are mostly irregular shapes. Most of the powder prepared by the aqueous electrolysis method is dendritic.
TRUNNANO provides high purity 3D printing Metal powder with reasonable price. “In order to feedback to old customers, the company is still in full operations to provide 3D printing Metal powder with competitive price.” said Olina, sales manager of TRUNNANO.
About TRUNNANO
TRUNNANO (aka. Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd.) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12 years experience in providing super high-quality 3D printing Metal powder. As a leading nanotechnology development and 3D printing Metal powder manufacturer, Luoyang Tongrun dominates the market. Our professional work team provides perfect solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries, create value, and easily cope with various challenges. If you are looking for 3D printing Metal powder, please send an email to: sales1@nanotrun.com
OR go to the following link:https://www.nanotrun.com/3d-printing-powder_0029
