Atomising Systems supplies atomiser to Liberty Powder Metals in partnership with Consarc
Atomising Systems Ltd. (ASL), Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK, and Consarc Engineering, Holytown, Scotland, have delivered and commissioned a new Vacuum Induction Melting Gas Atomiser (VIGA) for Liberty Powder Metals Ltd. (LPM) facility in Teesside, UK.
The 250kg atomiser takes advantage of ASL’s anti-satellite technology, producing highly spherical powders with good flow properties. This, coupled with Consarc’s vacuum melting technologies, will enable Liberty to supply powders to clients in the aerospace and high-specification metal businesses, as well as opening up opportunities in the Additive Manufacturing field. Both nickel-based superalloy and stainless steels were successfully produced during the start-up.
ASL currently operates its own in-house anti-satellite gas atomisers on a daily basis (three-shift), and this was said to be very useful for LPM, with its staff being able to obtain real-world experience of production-scale gas atomiser operation prior to the installation and commissioning of the VIGA. The training provided a clearer understanding of the tasks involved and the issues unique to the handling of metal powders.
