FAQ
How are metal powders processed for 3D printing?
Metal powders for 3D printing are processed in several steps to achieve the desired quality and performance. The most important steps are
Production: Metal powder for 3D printing is usually produced by atomization with a gas or water jet, in which a metal jet is broken down into fine particles. There are also other methods such as abrasion, electrolysis or chemical reduction.
Preparation: The preparation of metal powder for 3D printing involves sieving, sifting and drying the particles in order to optimize the particle size distribution, sphericity, oxygen content and flowability of the powder.
Printing: Printing metal powder for 3D printing is done by selective laser melting (SLM® / LPBF), where a laser beam melts and bonds the powder layer by layer to create the desired part.
Post-processing: The post-processing of metal powder for 3D printing includes the removal of support structures, heat treatment, annealing, grinding, polishing and testing of the finished part in order to improve the mechanical, thermal and optical properties.