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Metal Powder Characterization

Metal powder testing and analysis

With the abilities and increasing applications for additive manufacturing growing continuously, the value of powder metallurgy is ever-increasing. A shift from subtractive manufacturing methods that require greater material consumables and energy inputs will also, in the long term, offset concerns of immediate cost in the switch to additive manufacturing equipment and processes. Concerns about the quality and reliability of products will certainly ease as processes mature to the point of greater adoption.

Here at LTI, however, we believe the future is now: whether you’re a manufacturer introducing new processes or have extensive experience with press-and-sinter powder manufacturing, we offer complete metal powder testing using cutting-edge analysis and unrivaled industry expertise.

Metal Powder Testing and Analysis

Chemical Composition
Test analysis Methodology / Equipment Restrictions
Bulk elements ICP-AES/OES Alloy dependent
Trace elements ICP-MS (Mass spectrometry)
Interstitial gases (oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen) Inert gas fusion – LECO
Interstitial elements (carbon & sulfur) Combustion – LECO
Element mapping SEM-EDX via SEM Informational purposes only
Particulate Properties
Test analysis Methodology / Equipment Standards / Restrictions
Particle size distribution Microtrac SYNC – light scattering/laser diffraction ASTM B822 / ISO-13320-1
Sieve analysis (20, 25, 32, 38, 45, 53, 63, 75, 106, 125, 150, 180, 250, 425, 600, 800 µm) ASTM B214 / ISO-2591
Particle size and shape analysis – Morphology Microtrac SYNC – dynamic image analysis ISO 13322-2
Particle shape analysis – Morphology SEM (100X, 200X, 500X photos) Informational purposes only
Specific surface area Physical adsorption ASTM B922
Flow Analysis
Test analysis Methodology / Equipment Standards / Restrictions
Powder flowability (free-flowing) Hall flowmeter ASTM B213 / ISO 4490
Powder flowability (not free-flowing) Carney flowmeter ASTM B964
Dynamic flow rates Avalanche-Drum rheometer Informational purposes only
Density Analysis
Test analysis Methodology / Equipment Standards
Apparent powder density (free-flowing) Hall funnel ASTM B212 / ISO 3923-1
Scott volumeter ASTM B329 / ISO 3923-2
Apparent powder density (not free-flowing) Carney funnel ASTM B417 / ISO 3923-1
Tap density Balance & graduated cylinder ASTM B527 / ISO 3953
Skeletal density Gas pycnometry ASTM B923 / ISO 12154
Moisture Content
Test analysis Methodology / Equipment Standards / Restrictions
Moisture analysis Absorbent method Informational purposes only
Karl Fischer titration ASTM E203
Contamination or Cleanliness
Test analysis Methodology / Equipment Restrictions
Cross-contamination EDS/EDX via SEM Informational purposes only
Cleanliness Microscopy 20x Informational purposes only

Support for Additive Manufacturing

Comprehensive Powder Characterization

LTI provides comprehensive metal powder analysis to characterize the raw materials used in additive manufacturing. LTI analyzes your powdered metals to confirm that the raw material has the correct chemistry, particle size distribution, and physical and mechanical properties. An early step in the additive manufacturing process is verifying that powders from a supplier meet expectations. Powder characterization evaluates the raw material for purity and uniformity between batches and determines if the powder is ready for additive manufacturing.

Powder Management Solutions

LTI helps manage your inventory by testing a variety of metal powders for appropriate feedstock selection, including virgin powder validation, blended powdered checks, recycled powders, and 100% lot traceability. As a material tester since 1984, LTI contributes to many of the committees shaping industry best practices for operations directly impacted or adjacent to powder characterization:

  • ASTM F42
  • ASNT
  • AMS
  • ITA Medical Technology
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Utilizing Technology in Tandem for Comprehensive Analysis

LTI offers “well-rounded” data packages for consistent particulate property analytics, enabling fact-based decision-making with our state-of-the-art equipment and certified metallurgical staff.

We utilize as many analysis avenues as necessary to meet your material specifications in minimal time. Given their complementary nature, simultaneous laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis offer unbeatable results that accurately capture dimensional information. LTI combines both analysis methods to describe your sample’s material properties.

Microtrac Snyc SEM
  • PSD Laser Diffraction – Size
  • Dynamic Image Analysis- Shape

 

  • Image Analysis
  • 100x, 300x, 500x photos

 

Microtrac SYNC Laser Diffraction vs. SEM Image Analysis

Laser Diffraction Image Analysis
Shape analysis No Yes
Measurement < 1µm Yes No
Mixtures and oversize With limitations Very good
Versatility High Limited to larger particles

LTI Capabilities

In Process

  • Powder characterization
  • Specimen machining
  • Complex extractions
  • Build cut ups
  • Build characterization
  • Machine qualification
  • Mechanical testing
  • Metallography
  • Chemistry analysis
  • Fracture & fatigue

Post Processing 

  • Heat treating
  • 2D computed radiography
  • Fluorescent penetrant
  • Magnetic particle
  • Ultrasonic testing

Power Up Your Powder Testing With LTI

Metal powder testing and analysis is complex, but finding a capable laboratory doesn’t have to be. LTI puts our customers’ goals at the focus of our services. Our reporting interfaces are highly intuitive and easy to access from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, providing accurate test results, concise reporting, and meticulous record keeping. 

Lastly, you can be sure your proprietary testing data is safe, as LTI is certified by the Department of Defense (DFARS) and is NIST-Compliant for the highest levels of Cybersecurity. With industry leaders in charge of your materials, you’ll have complete confidence that no stone is left unturned regarding your project’s quality.

  • “LTI has seriously made a huge difference…”

    LTI has seriously made a huge difference in Testing & especially Metallography. They Define Possible
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    Partner With LTI Today

    Laboratory Testing Inc. has the capacity and capabilities to handle all your material testing needs in a single location. Since 1984, we’ve aided customers worldwide with accurate nondestructive testing and precise material lab services. Request a quote or contact us today to see how our industry-leading turnaround times can keep your mission-critical approvals moving forward.

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