Powder Emissivity and its Correlation with the Quality of Printed Parts in Metal Binder Jetting

Metal Binder Jetting has become an established manufacturing process for serial production in recent years. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the repeatability and qualification of the process for different materials. An infrared lamp is used to warm the powder bed during the process, causing the solvent in the binder to evaporate. The temperature of the lamp is controlled by an infrared sensor. To accurately measure the temperature of a powder bed, and thus being able to ensure proper process control, it is necessary to know the emissivity value of the metal powder. This study determined the emissivity value for various powders and compared the properties of green parts, printed with the correct emissivity to those printed without prior determination.