Powders for additive manufacturing

Powders carry crucial significance as the feedstock both for selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM). To ensure problem-free processing a number of properties such as flowability, particle size and shape, apparent density and level of impurities have to stay in certain ranges. Since, so far, the powders are supplied mainly by the equipment manufacturer systematic examinations are not available. Using the material Ti-6Al-4V as an example the following aspects are highlighted: Characterization of powders provided by equipment manufacturers Methodology of custom powder specification Analysis of the inbound material not supplied by the equipment manufacturers Powder characteristics during the build process, differences between recycled and virgin powder Both SLM as well as EBM are considered. Similarities and differences of both processes are discussed.