[T1] Powder Production

[15C-T1-25] Investigation of Morphology and Reusability of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy for 3D Printer Based on Particle Characterization

*M. Yoshida¹, Y. Konishi¹, S. Onda¹, K. Sato¹, K. Tohma², T. Nagase², A. Yanagitani² (1.Microtrac BEL Corp., Japan, 2.University of Hyogo, Japan)

Keywords:Morphology evaluation of Ti64 alloy, reusability, dynamic image analysis, BET specific surface area, He gas pycnometer

In EBM metal 3D printing, accurate characterization of metal particles is important for efficient stacking and understanding the potential for reuse of the particles. Factors such as "flowability" and "oxygen content" are influenced by properties such as particle size, shape, sphericity, surface area, porosity, and density. However, combined investigations are insufficient and lack clear criteria for determining the reusability of metal particles. Gas-atomized Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) alloy was used as virgin particles. The scraping particles obtained from the calcined by-product blocks at 700°C and 800°C by EBM were used as recycled particles. The morphological changes of each Ti64 alloy were determined in more detail by particle shape by dynamic image analysis, BET and porosity by Kr adsorption isotherms, and He pycnometry to gain insight into the possibility of recycling the scraped particles.