Authors:
Altenberend Jochen (1), Bailly Ophélie (2), Cabrol Elodie (3), Dolbec Richard (2), Si Mohand Hocine (3), Van Wijk Pierre (1), Vert Romain (1)
1- Tekna Plasma Europe, Macon, France
2- Tekna Plasma Systems Inc, Sherbrooke, Canada
3- Centrale Lyon ENISE/LTDS, Saint Etienne, France
Abstract:
In most additive manufacturing (AM) processes, a significant fraction of the non-consolidated powder collected at the end of a printing cycle can be reintroduced into the process using one of the various powder recycling strategies that exist. However, after several cycles, altered flowability and/or oxygen pick up make such powders unsuitable for their reuse and, consequently, they become waste material. Radio Frequency (RF) plasma treatment can increase the flowability of these powders and for many materials, it can even reduce oxygen content. As a result, powders initially considered as waste can now be transformed into high quality powders. In this study we review the literature related to RF plasma treatment for powder recycling and powder reconditioning and the physical and chemical phenomena are discussed. The limits and opportunities for the use of RF plasma for powder reconditioning of different materials are deduced.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP246251254
