“Powder testing is a critical part of what we do, both in the development of new powders and as a service for customers looking to optimise existing AM processes,” explained Dr Robert Deffley, research and development manager at LPW Technology. “We have long used traditional testing techniques such as angle of repose, but these have inherent limitations. We have seen examples of two powder batches which meet the same specification showing very different behaviour, which made it necessary to look for a new method of characterisation with greater sensitivity. We considered shear cell testers, which are good for silo and hopper specification, but this test alone could not accurately measure powder properties under the conditions needed to provide relevant data for additive manufacture. With the FT4 we still have shear cell capability, if we need it, but also bulk property measurement and, most importantly, dynamic characterisation capability.”  

Controlling the performance of powders involved in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is crucial for process efficiency and end product quality. How the powder flows and packs are defining aspects of this performance. The dynamic powder characterisation capability of the FT4 is based on measurement of the powder in motion and directly quantifies how the powder flows. Powders can be tested in a consolidated, conditioned, aerated or even fluidised state. www.freemantech.co.uk.  

 

 

 

 

The FT4 Powder Rheometer is helping LPW Technology to control and engineer powder materials for additive manufacture