So, how to prepare metal powder suitable for 3D printing?
1. Argon atomization method
The argon atomization method is a pulverizing method that uses a fast-flowing argon gas flow to impinge the metal liquid, crushing it into fine particles, and then condensing it into a solid powder.
2. Plasma atomization
The pulverizing process of the plasma atomization method can be simply described as: the solid raw materials, such as rods and wires, are directly sent to the high temperature zone of the plasma focus through a special feeding device, and the raw materials are rapidly melted or vaporized or decomposed by thermal reaction to synthesize, atomized Metal or ceramic powder materials of various materials of ultra-fine/nano level are prepared, and then the droplets are rapidly cooled and solidified into spherical powder under the action of surface tension. The prepared powder materials are cooled and deposited in the atomization tower system and collected centrally. The atomized exhaust gas is filtered and purified and then discharged.
3. Radio frequency plasma spheroidization
Irregularly shaped raw material powder is sprayed into the plasma torch through a powder feeder with a carrier gas (argon), the powder particles absorb a lot of heat in the high-temperature plasma, and the surface melts rapidly; and enters the reactor at a very high speed. Rapid cooling in an inert atmosphere, under the action of surface tension, cooling and solidification into spherical powder; and then entering the receiving chamber for collection.
The metal powder produced in this way has the following advantages:
High sphericity, smooth surface, good fluidity and high bulk density, so the powder spreading uniformity is good, and the printed product has high density
Small powder particle size, narrow particle size distribution, low oxygen content, little/no spheroidization and agglomeration during printing, good melting effect, high product surface finish, and the consistency and uniformity of printing can be fully guaranteed;
There are basically no hollow powders and satellite powders, and there will be no defects such as air gaps, entrapment and precipitation pores, and cracks caused by hollow spheres during the printing process.
