Metallic Powder Characterisation
The laboratory has great experience in characterising various types of metallic powder, including (but not limited to) aluminium, nickel, copper and titanium powders. Other powder types (e.g. ceramic, polymer, regolith powders) can be tested as well. Our previous work has been included in various publications and presented at conferences.
What we can offer
Flowability and Cohesivity
The AML is equipped to help you measure dynamic flow properties of your powder using the Granudrum. This can help you with comparing powder batches or even the impact of reusing powders (i.e. recycling during the additive manufacturing process) on flowability. In addition, this system also provides information regarding the cohesion, thixotropy, caking and aeration.
Moisture
Moisture levels in your powder can impact the flowability of your powder and the mechanical properties of your final part. The laboratory is equipped with the Mettler Toledo C30s Coulometric Karl Fischer Titrator to measure the water content in your powders.
Specs:
- Measurement range: 10µg to 200mg
- Resolution: 1µg
PSD (Particle Size Distribution)
We offer a fast and easy method to analyse the size of your powder particulates.
PSD impacts flowability and the packing density as fine powders may agglomerate and coarse powders may settle quickly. This measurement can help to detect variation between powder batches and changes when reusing powder.
The AML is equipped with the Malvern Mastersizer 3000 with both wet and dry dispersion units.
Specs:
- Particle size range: 10nm – 3.5mm
- Data Acquisition Rate: 10kHz
We are also able to use our ASEM capability to analyse various parameters including PSD, chemistry and morphology.
Tap Density
We are able to help you evaluate the packing dynamics of your powder with the use of the GranuPack which provides data on the bulk density, the tapped density, the Hausner ratio, and the Carr index measurement. This data can help you with comparing powder batches, prevention of caking and understanding the stability of the powder bed in Additive Manufacturing.
Electric Charge
The AML is equipped with the GranuCharge which measures the electric charge density, with high precision, of your powder during a flow in contact with a certain material – the triboelectrification effect.
Humidity Control
We are able to control the water content of the atmosphere (0%-100% RH) within the GranuCharge using the GranuMidity so that you can understand the impact of water on your powders’ electric charge density.
