Powder Processing & Characterization

Powder Processing & Characterization / Powder Processing & Handling

Powder Synthesis/Spheroidization System

Model: TEKSPHERO-15
Manufacturer: Tekna
* Photo courtesy of Tekna

Powder Synthesis/Spheroidization System

Model: TEKSPHERO-15
Manufacturer: Tekna

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Powder Processing & Handling

Powder Classifier under Inert Atmosphere

Model: EJ-L3"LABO"
Manufacturer: Elcan Industries
* Photo courtesy of Elcan

Powder Classifier under Inert Atmosphere

Model: EJ-L3"LABO"
Manufacturer: Elcan Industries

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Powder Processing & Handling

Powder Screening System

Model: Hi-Sifter
Manufacturer: Elcan Industries
* Photo courtesy of Elcan

Powder Screening System

Model: Hi-Sifter
Manufacturer: Elcan Industries

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Rheology Analysis

Powder Rheometer

Model: FT4
Manufacturer: Freemantech

Powder Rheometer

Model: FT4
Manufacturer: Freemantech

The FT4 Powder Rheometer is used by the MSAM researchers/collaborators and the affiliated industrial partners to characterize the rheology or flow properties of powders. This will allow the researchers and industry to evaluate flowability, shear properties and many other critical powder parameters required for understanding the effects of powder characteristics on the quality of AM-made parts and AM processes.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Particle Size Analysis

Particle Size and Shape Analyzer

Model: CAMSIZER X2
Manufacturer: RETSCH

Particle Size and Shape Analyzer

Model: CAMSIZER X2
Manufacturer: RETSCH

The CAMSIZER X2 from RETSCH is used for quality control of fine powders used in powder-based additive manufacturing processes. More precise and faster analysis of particle size and particle shape help the MSAM researchers/collaborators and the affiliated industrial partners to quickly optimize powder characteristics used in AM processes.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Particle Size Analysis

Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer

Model: Mastersizer 3000
Manufacturer: Malvern Panalytical

Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer

Model: Mastersizer 3000
Manufacturer: Malvern Panalytical

This system is a powder size measurement instrument deploying laser diffraction (633 nm red laser, 10 mW 470nm blue LED light source). The system enables the ability to measure over a maximum size range of 0.01 – 3500 μm using a single lens range.

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Rheology Analysis

Granular Material Electric Charge Analyzer

Model: GranuCharge
Manufacturer: GranuTools
* Photo courtesy of GranuTools

Granular Material Electric Charge Analyzer

Model: GranuCharge
Manufacturer: GranuTools

This system measures the electrical charge buildup on powder materials. In the standard test, the charge on powder is obtained after being poured into a Faraday cup out of a grounded stainless steel beaker and for the same powder after being transferred from the beaker through a tube made of a known contact material. This allows for selection of contact materials in conveying systems that minimize charge buildup on powders.

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Rheology Analysis

Powder Cohesion Measurement System

Model: GranuDrum
Manufacturer: GranuTools
* Photo courtesy of GranuTools

Powder Cohesion Measurement System

Model: GranuDrum
Manufacturer: GranuTools

This system is an automated powder flowability measurement device based on the rotating drum principle. As this measures powder flow at low pressure and high shear, it is well suited for applications such as pneumatic conveying and additive manufacturing spreadability.

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Rheology Analysis

Tapped Density Analyzer

Model: GranuPack
Manufacturer: GranuTools
* Photo courtesy of GranuTools

Tapped Density Analyzer

Model: GranuPack
Manufacturer: GranuTools

This system is an automated tap density measurement system. While the ASTM standard tap sequence can be used, the technique differs due to a small mass used to level and track the powder surface. This allows density progression during the tap sequence to be measured and results in highly repeatable tap densities when compared to the ASTM standard.

* Supported by a collaborative program on materials for additive manufacturing between the National Research Council Canada and the University of Waterloo.

Powder Processing & Characterization / Powder Processing & Handling

Planary Ball Mill

Model: PM 100
Manufacturer: RETSCH
* Photo courtesy of RETSCH

Planary Ball Mill

Model: PM 100
Manufacturer: RETSCH

Planetary Ball Mills are used wherever the highest degree of fineness is required. The Ball Mill can quickly grind down to nano range. In addition to well-proven mixing and size reduction processes, these mills also meet all technical requirements for colloidal grinding and provide the energy input necessary for mechanical alloying. The extremely high centrifugal forces of a planetary ball mill result in very high pulverization energy and therefore short grinding times. The PM 100 is a convenient benchtop model with 1 grinding station.