Actors in the field of metallurgy, you wish to characterise metal powders
Powder metallurgy refers to industrial processes such as additive manufacturing and sintering, where the quality of the parts depends on the properties of the powders used. The analysis of powders, and more specifically their flow, density, friction and chemical composition, is essential to ensure the reproducibility of components. The Filab laboratory supports manufacturers with powder characterisation services that guarantee the conformity and performance of the metal powders used in your processes.
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Characterization of materials for powder metallurgy
The characterization of materials in powder metallurgy ensures the reliability and performance of metal components.
The final properties of parts, such as their mechanical strength and dimensional stability, are directly influenced by the material’s microstructure, which in turn is determined by the quality of the powders and the conditions of the manufacturing process.
Powder as a raw material is the main source of variation in a manufacturing process: powders with irregular properties can lead to defects or deviations in the characteristics of the parts produced.
Analysing powder parameters such as particle size, morphology, density, flow and chemical composition enables manufacturers to anticipate these variations, optimise their processes and guarantee consistent production in line with industrial requirements.
Why characterize a metal powder for the metallurgy sector?
The quality of a metal powder has a direct influence on the manufacture and performance of parts. Characterisation is essential to guarantee process repeatability, optimise mechanical properties and ensure compliance with standards. In the FILAB laboratory, we analyse the characteristics of metal powders to guarantee their performance in metallurgy.
The size and shape of the particles determine the fluidity, density after compaction and mechanical properties of the parts. Using electron microscopy and particle size distribution analyses, we adjust these parameters to optimise sintering and 3D printing.
Impurities and undesirable reactions can compromise the quality of alloys. Our spectrometric analyses guarantee a composition that complies with requirements, avoiding structural defects and ensuring perfect suitability for industrial applications.
Apparent and compact density is controlled to limit porosity and defects, ensuring robust, homogeneous parts. Our humidity and oxidation tests enable us to anticipate the risks of degradation and optimise storage and processing.
Metal powders, particularly sensitive alloys such as titanium, require strict monitoring of their chemical reactivity. Our thermal analyses and fluidity tests enable us to adapt additive manufacturing parameters and ensure maximum safety.
FILAB supports you in the characterization of metal powders for metallurgy
For more than 20 years, our FILAB laboratory has had the experience and specific analytical equipment to assist metallurgy manufacturers in the characterization of powders using various analytical techniques: XRD, SEM-EDX, BET, laser granulometry, etc.
With our analysis services, you benefit from comprehensive support, before and after manufacturing, to secure and optimise your powder metallurgy processes.
our services
Laboratory accreditations
The FILAB laboratory is accredited ISO 17025 by COFRAC for :
- the measurement of specific surface by the BET method (in accordance with ISO 9277) and particle size analysis by laser (in accordance with ISO 13320 in liquid and dry form),
- density measurement by Helium pycnometry (in accordance with ASTM B923 and ISO 12154),
- determination of grain size (in accordance with ASTM E112 and NF EN ISO 643) for solid particles.
Focus on powder metallurgy
Powder metallurgy involves manufacturing parts or materials from compacted and sintered metal powders. This process offers a number of advantages, including a reduction in material losses and the ability to create parts with tailor-made mechanical and chemical properties. It is widely used in sectors such as aerospace, automotive and medicine.
In the FILAB laboratory, we support manufacturers upstream of the powder metallurgy process to guarantee optimum results thanks to in-depth analyses:
- Granulometric characterization of powders: homogeneous granulometry ensures uniform density during compaction and controlled melting during sintering. Our analyses enable us to accurately assess the size and shape of particles to optimise their behaviour in your processes.
- Full chemical analysis: the composition of alloys directly determines the performance of final parts. We analyse powder purity, detect impurities and check compliance with industrial specifications, guaranteeing reliable raw materials.
- Thermal and morphological studies: the reaction of powders to heat, such as during sintering or laser fusion, can affect the strength and quality of finished products. Our studies anticipate these behaviours to minimise defects and optimise your processes.
These preliminary analyses enable you to start production on a solid footing and ensure quality from the very first stage.
Powder metallurgy products, such as automotive gears, turbine parts, medical implants or electronic components, must meet strict performance and quality standards.
To guarantee the quality of these products, Filab offers in-depth analyses of the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of the metal powders used in their manufacture:
- Chemical tests : checking the composition of the parts produced to ensure their conformity.
- Mechanical analysis : checking mechanical properties such as strength and hardness to ensure durability.
- Physical characterization : assessment of microstructures to detect any defects or porosity.
In the FILAB laboratory, we analyse the characteristics of metal powders to guarantee their performance in metallurgy.
The granulometry and morphology of powders directly influence the fluidity, density after compaction and mechanical properties of parts. We use advanced techniques, such as electron microscopy, to optimise their behaviour during sintering or 3D printing.
The chemical composition, which is essential to avoid contamination and undesirable reactions, is analysed to ensure that the alloys comply with requirements. We also measure apparent and compact density to prevent porosity and defects, ensuring optimum part strength.
Our thermal analysis and fluidity tests enable us to anticipate performance under heat and optimise processes such as additive manufacturing. Finally, we check the chemical reactivity of sensitive powders, such as titanium, to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Powder metallurgy presents a number of challenges:
- Particle oxidation: which can alter the properties of finished products.
- Variability in particle size: which can lead to defects in manufacturing processes.
- Safety: some metal powders (aluminium, titanium) are flammable and require rigorous handling, and also for purity.
Thanks to our expertise in chemical analysis and characterization of materials, we can help you identify these problems and solve them using state-of-the-art equipment:
- Control of oxygen content to limit the effects of oxidation.
- Assessment of the chemical stability of powders.
- Safety tests to prevent flammability risks.
FAQ
A powder metallurgy process consists of transforming metal powders into finished or semi-finished parts by compression, followed by a heat treatment called sintering. This process is used to create complex shapes or materials with specific properties.
Powder metallurgy products include high-precision components for the automotive industry (gears, bearings), aerospace (turbine blades), healthcare (medical implants), and many other sectors requiring superior mechanical and chemical performance.
Metal powders are produced by processes such as atomisation (fusion and pulverisation), mechanical grinding, or chemical methods such as electrolytic reduction. Each process affects the quality and end use of the powders.
The challenges include risks of contamination, sensitivity to oxidation, sometimes heterogeneous properties, and constraints linked to safe handling. These challenges require rigorous controls to ensure optimal use.
