Actors in the field of metallurgy, you wish to characterise metal powders
Powder metallurgy is used in many industrial sectors to manufacture parts and materials with specific mechanical and chemical properties. The use of metal powders is common in innovative methods such as powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing, which allow parts to be produced close to their final shape with minimal rework. At the filab laboratory, our chemical analysis and characterization of materials services play a key role in ensuring the quality, safety and performance of the powders used in these processes.
Integrate analysis at the heart of your manufacturing processes
Metal powders or powdered metals are used in a wide range of applications including metallurgy.
The main routes for the manufacture of metal powders are as follows:
- Grinding of solid metal
- Precipitation of a salt from a solution
- Thermal decomposition of carbonyl metal (carbonyl process)
- Solid state reduction of metal oxide
- Electrodeposition
- Atomisation of molten metal
Powder metallurgy processes are based on sintering, metal injection moulding (MIM) or hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The choice of powder manufacturing method (grinding, atomisation, chemical reduction, etc.) depends on the properties required and the end application. Filab offers its customers analysis and characterization services to optimise the use of these powders in your industrial processes.
Why characterize a metal powder for the metallurgy sector?
The production of metal components of the correct quality requires input materials with known and reliable characteristics. For metal powders, these can include chemical, morphological and microstructural characteristics that need to be measured using the appropriate analytical technique.
Indeed, the manufacturing process of metallurgical parts is sensitive to variations in the size and shape of the metal powder particles used as raw or recycled material.
These geometrical characteristics condition in particular its spreading during the process but also its level of compaction allowing to limit the interstices.
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.
Carry out a powder analysis prior to manufacture
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.
Carry out an analysis of powder metallurgy products
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.
Characterization of powders for metallurgy
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 failures in metallurgy
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.
