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Standard method for microCT-based additive manufacturing quality control 4: Metal powder analysis
Anton du Plessis1, Philip Sperling2, Andre Beerlink2
1CT Scanner Facility, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Methodsx
|November 9, 2018
Summary
X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) provides a dedicated workflow for analyzing titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) powder used in additive manufacturing. This method enhances quality control by identifying powder impurities and defects, supporting standardization in the field.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Non-destructive Testing
Background:
- Powder feedstock quality is critical for successful additive manufacturing (AM).
- Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) powder is widely used in powder bed fusion (PBF) AM systems.
- Standardized analysis methods for metal powders are needed to ensure part quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a dedicated workflow for X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) analysis of Ti6Al4V powder.
- To establish a methodology that supports the standardization of powder analysis in the AM community.
- To facilitate the identification of impurities and defects in metal powders for AM.
Main Methods:
- Development of a specific workflow for microCT analysis of Ti6Al4V powder.
- Detailed description of sample size requirements, scan conditions, and settings.
- Outline of reconstruction and image analysis procedures for microCT data.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive methodology for microCT analysis of metal powders for AM is established.
- The workflow simplifies the application of microCT for powder characterization.
- The described procedures enable detailed examination of powder morphology and internal structures.
Conclusions:
- The presented microCT workflow offers a standardized approach for analyzing metal powders in AM.
- This methodology can improve the quality of additively manufactured parts by enabling early detection of powder-related issues.
- Adoption of this method will contribute to greater consistency and reliability in powder bed fusion processes.
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