Microstructure of Stainless Steel Powder

Microstructure of Stainless Steel Powder
Size of metal powder:
Usually, the diameter of 3D printed metal powder is better. This is because if the diameter of the powder is small, the better the sintering effect during the sintering process, and the driving force of sintering will also increase. Moreover, the smaller the diameter, the smaller the gap during stacking, thus ensuring the quality and strength of the product. However, the diameter of the powder should not be as small as possible, as if the diameter of the powder is too small, it may cause spheroidization during the sintering process, resulting in uneven diffusion of the powder and affecting printing. Accuracy.
Metal powder purity:
In addition, the content of oxygen and nitrogen also needs to be strictly controlled. At present, the powder preparation technology used for metal 3D printing is mainly based on atomization method. The powder has a large specific surface area and is prone to oxidation. In special applications such as aerospace, customers have stricter requirements for this indicator, such as high-temperature alloy powder. The oxygen content is 0.006% -0.018%, titanium alloy powder has an oxygen content of 0.007% -0.013%, and stainless steel powder has an oxygen content of 0.010% -0.025%.
Particle size distribution of metal powder:
The selection of metal powder particle size for 3D printing is mainly based on metal printers with different energy sources. Printers that use lasers as energy have a fine focus and are more prone to melting fine powder. Suitable for use 15-53 μ M powder as a consumable. The powder replenishment method involves spreading the powder layer by layer; Powder spreading machines powered by electron beams have slightly thicker focal points, making them more suitable for melting coarse powders, mainly suitable for 53-105 μ Coarse powder of m; Used for coaxial powder feeding type. For printers, the particle size is 105-150 μ The powder of m can be used as a consumable.