Relationship Between Powder Properties And Powder Layer Quality In Powder-bed-based Additive Manufacturing Processes

Authors:

Mathieu Soulier (CEA-LITEN, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, France),
Alexis Burr (CEA-LITEN, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, France),
Richard Laucournet (CEA-LITEN, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, France)

Abstract:

The powder spreadability drives the robustness of powder-bed-based additive manufacturing processes (laser powder bed fusion and binder jetting) as well as the performance of the printed parts.This work describes relations between powder characteristics and powder layer properties. To this end a database including more than 50 stainless steel powders characterizations is analysed to establish an analytical model linking the particles sizes and shapes with the flowability and powder packing respectively determined by the avalanche angle and apparent density.The consecutive powders spreadability is assessed on an automated spreading bench, instrumented to estimate the powder layer roughness and density in representative conditions of printers. This bench enables to test different spreading speed, and spreading tool (rake or roller) to cover main printer configurations.The statistical analysis of powder characterizations and powder layer properties establishes a nonlinear regression using least square functions. The predictions of the analytical models are discussed.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59499/WP225368597