Pulver av metallegeringar enable manufacturing of high performance parts using powder metallurgy pressing and sintering or additive manufacturing methods across transportation, industrial, medical and energy industries. This guide covers various alloy options, powder production processes, key specifications, use cases, quality considerations and sourcing advisory.
Types of metal alloy powders
Common categories:
| Typ | Exempel | Viktiga egenskaper |
|---|---|---|
| Nickellegeringar | Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy | Corrosion resistance, heat resistance |
| Koboltlegeringar | MP35N, Haynes 25, Stellite | Slitstyrka, biokompatibilitet |
| Titanlegeringar | CP Grade, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-7Nb | Hög hållfasthet, låg vikt |
| Rostfria stål | 316, 17-4PH, 15-5PH | Korrosionsbeständighet, hållfasthet |
| Verktygsstål | H13, M2, M4, P20 | Slitstyrka, seghet |
| Kopparlegeringar | Chrome copper, Brass, Bronze | Electrical & thermal conductivity |
Match alloy material properties to critical part performance requirements like heat tolerance, hardness, fatigue life etc driving powder grade selection.
Metoder för produktion av metallpulver
Key commercial scale manufacturing processes:
- Atomisering av gas – High pressure inert gas breaks up molten metal stream into fine droplets. Achieves spherical powders with good flow and packing properties. Different nozzles generate desired size ranges.
- Plasmaatomisering – High energy plasma arc melts feedstock. Powerful induction coils generate droplets that solidify into spherical powders with tight particle distributions.
- Roterande elektrod – Centrifugal forces acting on spinning molten alloy subjected to inert gas jets causes disintegration into fine droplets resulting in spherical powders.
- Elektrolys – Metal ions from solution plate out on cathodes as fine powder particles. Used for reactive materials like aluminum, magnesium, titanium.
Controlling process parameters like temperature, atmosphere and cooling rates result in quality powder feedstock for part fabrication using additive manufacturing or powder metallurgy compaction.
Typical Specifications
| Parameter | Beskrivning | Testmetod |
|---|---|---|
| Renhet | >99%, minimize impurities | ICP-analys |
| Partikelns form | Spherical >80% | Mikroskopi |
| Fördelning av partikelstorlek | Tight ranges as required | Laserdiffraktion |
| Tappdensitet | Material dependent | Hall-flödesmätare |
| Skenbar densitet | Material dependent | Pyknometri |
| Flödeshastigheter | Standardized for each nominal size | Hall-flödesmätare |
| Oxider på ytan | <3000 ppm; oxide thickness | Inert gas fusion; XRD |
Review statistical batch data from manufacturer against these metrics specific to your target grade confirming quality and consistency relative to standards.
Tillämpningar
Metal alloy powder applications span:
Flyg- och rymdindustrin – Engine components like blades, nozzles; airframe fittings, landing gear parts; on-board systems
Industriell – Natural gas/petroleum pumps, valves, drill bits; tooling inserts; nuclear reactors; heat exchangers
Fordon – Engine components, turbocharger rotors, gears; chassis, drivetrain parts
Medicinsk – Implants for knees, hips, dental; surgical tools; imaging instruments
Konsument – High end watches, sports equipment like bicycles, golf clubs etc requiring strength, aesthetics
Energi – Solar cell contacts, electrodes; generators; battery components; wind turbines
Taking advantage oftailorable materials properties with design freedom and precision.
Industrial Standards
Key specifications applicable to Pulver av metallegeringar:
| Standard | Beskrivning |
|---|---|
| ASTM B213 | Standard classification system for metal powders |
| ISO 4490 | Chemical analysis, sampling procedures |
| ASTM B822 | Apparent density and flow rate measurement |
| MPIF 04 | Statistical methods for metal powder analysis |
Review statistically validated certifications showing conformance to grade composition limits and production quality consistency relative to applicable standards.
Common Metal Powder Grades
| Legering | Trade Names | Specifikationer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickellegeringar | Inconel 718, 625; Hastelloy X; Monel K500 | AMS 5662, 5663 etc. | |
| Koboltlegeringar | MP35N, Haynes 25, Stellite 21 | ASTM F90, F1537 etc. | |
| Titanlegeringar | Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5; Ti-6Al-7Nb ; CP Ti Grade 2 | AMS 4911, ASTM B348 etc. | |
| Rostfria stål | SS 316L; 17-4PH; 15-5 PH; | ASTM A240, B945 etc. | |
| Verktygsstål | H13; M2; M4; P20+Ni | AISI types | ASTM A681 |
| Kopparlegeringar | C18150, C19500, C95810 | UNS No., ASTM B194 etc. |
Match target grade to applicable alloy specifications that align with finished part functionality needs across strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance parameters.
Quality Considerations
| Metrisk | Syfte | Testmetod |
|---|---|---|
| Sammansättning | Verify grade purity | ICP-analys |
| Fördelning av partikelstorlek | AM compatibility, sintering response | Laserdiffraktion |
| Hall flödeshastighet | Powder packing density, layer uniformity | Hall-flödesmätare |
| Tappdensitet | Indicates final part density | Weigh measured volume |
| Skenbar densitet | Powder system density | Gas pycnometry |
| Partikelns form | Sphericity optimizes properties | Mikroskopi |
| Oxider på ytan | Impacts powder reuse | Inert gas fusion analyzer |
Consistent quality across these metrics is directly correlated with consistent final part performance meeting specifications.
Sourcing Considerations
| Parameter | Betydelse |
|---|---|
| Batch Data Sheets | Hög |
| Sampling Support | Hög |
| Ledtid | Medium |
| Anpassning | Låg |
| Price Factors | Låg |
Try powder samples first before large purchases to qualify printing or compression responses relative to application needs.
Vanliga frågor
Q: What is the difference between pre-alloyed and blended elemental powders?
A: Pre-alloyed powders have uniform composition throughout each spherical particle. Blended elemental mixes may have slight composition differences between particles that can create inhomogeneities in final parts.
Q: Should metal powders be stored under special conditions?
A: Store sealed with dessicant away from moisture and oxygen which causes deterioration. Limit temperature variation to 10-30°C. Discard if severe discoloration, caking or significant loss of flow. Shelf life is typically over a year if properly stored.
Q: What are common metal powder blend mixes?
A: Cobalt-chrome, stainless steel-17-4PH, and nickel alloy-stainless steel powder blends offer ways to tailor final part material properties like strength, wear resistance or corrosion resistance at lower costs than high purity grades.
Q: What precautions are needed when handling metal powders?
A: Use appropriate PPE and avoid skin contact or inhalation during powder handling. Passivated powders pose fewer health hazards compared to atomized powders which can be more reactive. Review SDS sheets on flammability, reactivity and exposure protocols.
