Particle Testing Authority (PTA), a division of Micromeritics Instrument Corp., Norcross, Georgia, announces that it has created a comprehensive particle characterization service for the additive manufacturing industry. Characteristics evaluated include particle size and shape, density, porosity, bulk powder flowability, surface area and topography, and environmental stability.
“We provide more comprehensive testing for AM powders than many in the industry can sustain in an in-house lab,” commented Greg Thiele, General Manager of PTA. “For example, in addition to high-resolution laser diffraction particle sizing, we offer other techniques such as gravity sedimentation. These methods can help to elucidate particle size distribution, to robustly quantify the fine and coarse fractions that can be crucial to powder performance. We also use the Freeman FT4 Powder Rheometer (shown in the photo), an instrument that can sensitively differentiate the bulk flowability of AM powders in a way that correlates directly with printing performance.”
The resulting data support the development of new powders for specific AM systems, the effective differentiation of supplies, powder choice for new applications, and the development of effective powder management and recycling strategies.
