Granutools launches GranuCharge AL to measure electrostatic charges in powders

Granutools, based in Awans, Belgium, has introduced its GranuCharge At Line (AL), an instrument designed to measure electrostatic charges in powders during flow in real time and directly on the production line. Electrostatic charging is a common challenge in powder processing industries such as Additive Manufacturing, and metal powder handling. This phenomenon affects powder flowability, causes handling difficulties, and can even present safety risks.

Unlike traditional lab-based methods, the GranuCharge AL provides instant access to the charge per mass measurement through an integrated load cell combined with a Faraday cup connected to a highly sensitive electrometer. As powder flows through the process and into the device, the GranuCharge AL automatically captures the accumulated electrostatic charge, delivering high-precision results with minimal setup, all without stopping production.

GranuCharge AL allows users to assess how equipment such as hoppers, feeders, and blenders influence electrostatic charge accumulation to optimise material handling and process design. It also enables users to monitor charge effects on powder spreadability in Powder Bed Fusion machines or during nozzle flow in Directed Energy Deposition (DED), helping to improve powder bed quality and process reliability. Additionally, the GranuCharge AL identifies charge build-up hotspots on production lines in real time, enabling swift corrective actions without interrupting operations.

GranuCharge AL is reportedly the only compact instrument capable of real-time electrostatic charge measurement under true process conditions. This innovation helps industries reduce downtime, optimise materials, and enhance process reliability by providing critical data precisely where it is needed.

www.granutools.com

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