Powder selection

Selecting powder is a key piece of establishing a business case. Powder can be a significant driver of final part costs. Not all powders are created equal. Even if they meet the same chemical and particle size distributions, they may not act the same in the machine. For example: 

• Powder morphology is an important factor. It can drive flowability, spreadability, and packing characteristics within a machine.
• Powders can drive surface roughness characteristics of final parts.
• Powders with high amounts of existing porosity within individual powder particles can make their way into final parts, which is undesirable for material performance.

AP&C powders are produced in such a way to maximize performance, minimize the impact of the above and drive optimal performance in machines.

EHS CONSIDERATIONS

Metallic powders also have health and safety considerations. Some powders will be more reactive than others. This factor will drive both your transportation and facilities considerations. AP&C performs tests on several key characteristics that are necessary to understand for you to make the best decisions for safety.

materials myth-conceptions

There are many misconceptions about additive manufacturing materials. Our series of video shorts addresses and debunks some of the common myths and misunderstandings around materials and processes used in metal AM.

Learn more and watch the videos

Nickel-based alloy powders

Ideal alloys for high-stress, high-temperature aerospace, industrial manufacturing and oil & gas environments. Nickel chromium superalloys like Nickel 718 and Nickel 625 produce strong, corrosion-resistant metal parts with excellent tensile, fatigue and creep.