certifications
An expert laboratory in metallurgy and analytical chemistry, FILAB performs the physicochemical analysis and characterization of metal powders for industrial companies. Our tests (particle size distribution, composition, morphology) make it possible to check batch quality, qualify a new powder for additive manufacturing, or identify the cause of a production defect. From purity analysis to morphology, our experts interpret your results to secure your production, validate your specifications and resolve your processing challenges.
Metal powder characterization and expertise
Metal powder characterization combines chemical analysis and physical analysis to check raw material quality, improve the reliability of additive manufacturing or sintering processes, and control the properties of final parts.
This service applies in particular to steel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, cobalt and copper powders used in the aerospace, space, medical and automotive industries.
Why choose FILAB for your metal powder analysis?
As an independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, FILAB draws on a team of engineers and metallurgy experts and state-of-the-art analytical equipment (SEM-EDX, IGA, laser particle size analysis). We guarantee a quotation within 48 hours, interpreted test results within 5 to 10 days (from 48 hours with our express service), and direct technical contact with the expert responsible for your samples.
Our role is not limited to presenting analysis results side by side. Our team translates physicochemical measurements into concrete action points for your production:
- Targeted comparative analysis: direct comparison of a conforming batch with a non-conforming batch to explain a difference in performance.
- Tailored control plan: strict selection of the relevant tests (flowability, IGA gases, SEM) to answer your question without unnecessary analytical costs.
- Decision support: validation of a new supplier, qualification of a recycling cycle, or resolution of a material dispute.
FILAB operates under a certified quality management system, guaranteeing full measurement traceability, regular calibration of equipment according to NIST standards, and compliance with major industry standards (ISO 17025, ISO 9001).
The FILAB laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited by COFRAC for:
- specific surface area measurement according to the BET method (ISO 9277) and laser particle size analysis (according to ISO 13320 in liquid and dry modes),
- density measurement by helium pycnometry (according to ASTM B923 and ISO 12154),
- grain size determination (according to ASTM E112 and NF EN ISO 643) for bulk materials.
Our physicochemical metal powder characterization services
SAFRAN approval according to specification Ma0015. SAFRAN has expanded the scope of our approval to include the chemical and physical characterization of metal powders! This recognition once again highlights our expertise in characterization and analysis of metal powders, enabling us to respond more quickly and reliably to our clients’ needs.
Morphological and Particle Size Analysis
- Laser particle size analysis : Precise determination of particle size cutoffs (D10, D50, D90, Span) according to ISO 13320.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy: Visual assessment of sphericity, observation of satellites and hollow particles, and elemental chemical identification of surface contaminants.
- BET specific surface area : Measurement by gas adsorption (nitrogen or krypton) according to ISO 9277 to quantify surface reactivity and the degree of fineness of nanometric or submicron powders.
Physical Properties, Flowability and Density
- Standardized flowability : Measurement of flow time through a Hall flow funnel (ASTM B213, ISO 4490) or a Carney funnel (ASTM B964) for non-flowing powders.
- Bulk density and tapped density : Calculation of bulk density and density after mechanical tapping (ASTM B527), used to establish the Carr index and Hausner ratio.
- Powder rheology : Analysis of shear stresses, compressibility, and aeration to anticipate blockages on the production line.
Chemical Purity and Interstitial Gas Analysis
- O, N, H gas analysis by inert gas fusion (IGA): Measurement of trace oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen levels (ppm) according to ASTM E1019, ASTM E1409 and ASTM E1447.
- Carbon and sulfur (C/S) analysis: Analysis by combustion in an induction furnace and infrared detection according toASTM E1019.
- Elemental and impurity analysis (ICP-AES / ICP-MS): Quantification of the alloy's nominal composition and detection of toxic or detrimental trace elements (lead, bismuth, cadmium).
SAFRAN approval in accordance with specification Ma0015. SAFRAN has expanded the scope of our approval to include the chemical and physical characterization of metal powders! This recognition once again highlights our expertise in the characterization and assessment of metal powders, enabling us to meet our customers’ needs more quickly and reliably.
Instruments for metal powder assessment:
GranuHeap : measurement of the static properties of a metal powder (angle of repose, static cohesion index).
GranuDrum : measurement of the flow properties (flow angle, dynamic cohesion index, first avalanche angle, powder aeration).
GranuPack : measurement of the dynamic compaction of a metal powder (bulk density, tapped density, Hausner ratio, densification dynamics).
GranuFlow : measurement of flow through orifices, a key indicator of powder flowability.
GranuCharge : measurement of the electrostatic properties of metal powders.
Alloys and metals handled by the laboratory
Our laboratory has analytical protocols suited to a wide range of metallic matrices, including highly reactive materials:
- Titanium and titanium alloys: Ti6Al4V (Grade 5, Grade 23 / ELI), CP Titanium (Grades 1 to 4), TiAl. Close monitoring of oxygen and hydrogen thresholds (ASTM B348 / F136 / F3001).
- Nickel-based superalloys: Inconel 718, Inconel 625, Hastelloy X. Control of chemical segregation and metallic impurities.
- Stainless steels: 316L, 17-4PH. Precise measurement of residual carbon and alloying elements (Cr, Ni, Mo).
- Aluminum powders and lightweight alloys: Scalmalloy. Safe handling of pyrophoric powders and moisture measurement.
- Copper, refractory and precious metals: CuPur, tungsten, molybdenum, gold and platinum for industrial jewelry and electrical connectivity.
Industrial challenges: why characterize your metal powders?
In powder metallurgy as well as additive manufacturing, part quality depends on the physicochemical properties of the powder bed or injected feedstock. Variations in particle size distribution or gas contamination can cause porosity, premature failure or production stoppages.
Laboratory analysis of your metal powders helps you control these risks throughout the industrial cycle:
Particle morphology, particle size distribution and flowability determine how powder spreads in metal 3D printing. FILAB monitors these parameters to limit powder bed irregularities, density defects and residual stresses in parts.
Unmelted powders can be sieved and reused, but successive cycles promote oxidation and alter their properties. FILAB monitors oxygen uptake, particle size distribution and sphericity to assess their suitability for recycling and help you define their usage limits.
Upon receipt, the quality of the metal powders must be verified against the material certificates and your internal specifications. FILAB checks batch compliance with the applicable standards (ASTM, ISO/ASTM).
In the presence of porosity, cracks, or a production deviation, FILAB investigates the origin of the defect. Our analysis determine whether the powder contains contamination, trapped gas, or a composition deviation that could explain the non-conformity.
FAQ: Metal Powder Analysis Explained
The FILAB laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited by COFRAC for:
- specific surface area measurement using the BET method (according to ISO 9277) and particle size analysis by laser diffraction (according to ISO 13320 in liquid and dry media),
- density measurement by helium pycnometry (according to ASTM B923 and ISO 12154),
- grain size determination (according to ASTM E112 and NF EN ISO 643) for bulk materials.
This manufacturing process is sensitive to variations in the size and shape of the metal powder particles used as raw material or recycled material. Indeed, these geometric characteristics determine in particular how the powder spreads during the process, as well as its level of compaction, which helps limit voids.
To ensure the quality of the parts produced, metal powders must therefore meet many requirements in order to achieve the expected performance. Included in particular in standard NF E 67-010, which sets out the technical specifications for metal powders for additive manufacturing applications, the parameters regularly assessed are:
- particle size distribution generally measured by laser diffraction particle sizing according to ISO 13320, which provides access to the particle size distribution with determination of characteristic parameters (d10, d50, d90),
- flowability characterized by a flow time using a calibrated funnel of the Hall flowmeter type according to ISO 4490 and ASTM B 213 or the Carney funnel according to ASTM B 964,
- bulk density and tapped density used to characterize, through mechanical action, a powder's ability to pack by expelling air between the grains. These tests are carried out using a tapped density tester according to ASTM B 527 and ISO 3953. The Hausner ratio corresponds to the ratio of tapped density to bulk density,
- true density determined by pycnometry according to ISO 12154 or ASTM B 923. This parameter makes it possible, in particular, to calculate the internal porosity rate using the theoretical density (of a bulk material, for example),
- morphology assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-FEG) and Optical Microscopy to evaluate particle size and morphology, sphericity, satelliting (small-diameter powder agglomerated onto large-diameter powder for recycled materials),
- moisture content determined gravimetrically after drying according to ASTM E 1868,
- chemical composition of metal powders. It is determined by spectroscopic techniques such as ICP-AES and ICP-MS and by elemental analysis techniques after combustion for the quantification of C, S, N, O and H elements.
Compliance with the requirements associated with these different characteristics enables the metal powder to produce, in the manufactured part, a low defect rate (porosity, inclusion, etc.) and a high level of compactness, synonymous with excellent mechanical properties.
For a complete assessment by our metal powder testing laboratory (particle size distribution, SEM morphology, flowability and gas analysis), a sample of 200 to 300 grams is recommended. For a targeted metal powder analysis, such as elemental quantification by ICP or interstitial gas analysis (O, N, H), 10 to 20 grams are sufficient.
Testing metal powders makes it possible to correlate the physical characteristics of the raw material (sphericity, particle size distribution, flowability) with the repeatability of the printing process. It is used in particular to validate uniform spreading by the recoater, eliminate the risk of structural porosity and monitor oxygen uptake when recycling unmelted batches.
Our metal powder testing laboratory operates according to the leading international standards:
- Physical properties: flowability (ASTM B213/B964, ISO 4490), laser particle size analysis (ISO 13320), apparent density (ASTM B212) and tap density (ASTM B527).
- Chemistry: O/N (ASTM E1409) and H (ASTM E1447) in titanium by inert gas fusion; C/S/N/O in steels (ASTM E1019); impurities by ICP-OES/MS.
In the event of cracking or abnormal porosity, the metal powder laboratory performs a comparative diagnosis between the suspected batch and a compliant reference powder. This metal powder assessment combines morphological analysis (SEM-EDX to detect potential satellites or foreign inclusions) with chemical analysis to precisely identify the root cause of the defect.
Send us your specifications, target standards or technical requirements. Our team of experts will review your request and provide you with a detailed commercial proposal within 24 to 48 hours.
- Analysis required: Batch control / Supplier qualification / R&D / Failure analysis
- Material / Grade: (e.g. Ti6Al4V, Inconel 718, 316L...)
- Intended process: SLM / EBM / DED / MIM / Thermal spraying / Sintering
- Required turnaround time: Standard (5–10 days) / Urgent (< 5 days)
FILAB – Metal Powder Testing Laboratory – contact@filab.fr – +33 (0)3 80 52 32 05
