LPW releases new AM metal powder atomisation case study

News
April 27, 2017

April 27, 2017

LPW Technology Ltd, Runcorn, UK, has published its newest case study, ‘Nitrogen vs Argon Atomisation of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel and their respective Effects on AM Processing’. The study joins the current case studies in the LPW Technical Library, available via the company’s website, along with a number of brochures and technical tools, and looks in-depth at the role of atomisation gas choice in determining the ultimate microstructure and mechanical properties of fabricated parts in Selective Laser Melting (SLM), using 17-4 PH stainless steel metal powder to these effects demonstrate across four total builds.

According to the study, atomising 17-4 PH with argon delivers a powder with the desired martensitic microstructure, whereas nitrogen gas atomisation will deliver an austenitic microstructure. Whether the powder is atomised using argon or nitrogen, subsequent processing of the powder with an argon SLM processing gas will still deliver a martensitic part that can be heat treated to produce enhanced mechanical properties.

However, using argon for both atomisation and processing will deliver optimum hardness, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength values, reports LPW. Using nitrogen for both processes will result in an austenitic microstructure with no observed increase in desired mechanical properties.

“It’s important to understand the effect that powder production methods and AM processing parameters can have on the resulting component microstructure,” stated Dr Rob Deffley, LPW’s Research & Development Manager. “LPW’s highly-trained team understands the behaviour of powders processed under different conditions and can recommend the appropriate powder to achieve the required mechanical properties. This latest case study addresses a question we have been asked by several AM end users and adds further intelligence to our portfolio of technical information.”

www.lpwtechnology.com

News
April 27, 2017

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal AM in the aerospace sector: from early successes to the transformation of an industry
  • Slowly but surely: Industrialising metal Additive Manufacturing the Norwegian way
  • Hot Isostatic Pressing and AM: How to improve product quality and productivity for critical applications
  • The convergence of Additive Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence: Envisioning a future that is closer than you think
  • ADAXIS: On a mission to reduce the layers of complexity in robotic Additive Manufacturing
  • Exploiting your metal Additive Manufacturing data assets: Faster industrialisation and new revenue streams

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap