Metal Powder

Spinel-type lithium manganate (LiMn2O4-σ) is said to change its discharge characteristics due to slight differences in composition caused by oxygen deficiency. The differences in the discharge characteristics of lithium manganate batteries are also observed in the particle size and crystal structure, but attention is also paid to the difference in the oxygen bonding ratio, as samples with less oxygen bonding have poorer discharge characteristics.

Stainless steel, Ti, Al, and Cu are commonly used as metal 3D printing materials, and customers have expressed a desire to be able to quickly manage the amounts of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) in those materials. For example, if the Ti material contains a large amount of oxygen (O), oxides will be produced, which can lead to defects in the printed part.

The particle size of SS316 powder is important to final product uses like injection molding. Here the metal must not clog the injector, so a uniform size with no large particles is important, and the metal must melt evenly throughout the molding for the best end product, again a uniform size and shape is important.

The particle size of titanium powder is important to final product surface quality, quality and robustness of coatings and mechanical strength of products. It also allows for the monitoring for elimination of large sizes which can plug nozzels in additive manufacturing.

Laser diffraction is a popular method for particle characterization. Coupled with an image analysis unit, we can compare in real time the classical values of D10, 50, 90 and get information about the shape or dispersion state of our particles, thus proving the usefulness of this complementary technique.

In this note, we will briefly explore the history of powder metallurgy and then examine the importance of powder quality to the production of nanomaterials.

As the steel materials are becoming more sophisticated, such as natural gas or crude oil pipeline, sulfur content is recommended below 0.5 ppm. Hence, more accurate ultra-trace amount sulfur analysis is required. Analysis of trace amount of sulfur in steel materials can be done quickly with the conventional combustion-infrared absorption method, but the problem is that the sensitivity of the detector is insufficient and it can not be measured.

Virtually any metal can be made into a powder through processes including atomization, electrolysis, chemical reduction, and size comminution. The metal powder can then be used to fabricate parts from simple to complex shape. The technique and study of these processes is known as powder metallurgy, a field of study well acquainted with particle characterization. The size distribution and shape of the powder metal particles influences the physical properties of the parts created.