Additive manufacturing: powders at the heart of material-laser interaction
Additive manufacturing companies, you would like to control the material-laser interaction of your powders
The interaction between matter and laser is influenced by precise physicochemical parameters. A non-conforming powder can lead to poor laser energy absorption or poor fluidity, directly impacting the density and mechanical properties of the part.
What is additive manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing consists in elaborating a part by successive stacking of powder fused by a laser beam. As opposed to traditional processes based on the removal of material, additive manufacturing has several advantages.
Indeed, benefiting today from a good level of maturity, this technology offers an unequalled freedom of design and has found numerous applications in demanding markets such as aeronautics, space, medical, automotive, ...
The quality of the powders, which can be metallic, ceramic or polymeric, is a crucial point for this process. At the heart of the material-laser interaction, the powders must respect a chemical composition, a morphology, a granulometry and a minimal intraparticle porosity.
Our analysis and expertise solutions
Advanced Physico-Chemical characterization
To ensure homogeneous melting, we analyze the fundamental properties of your powders:
- Elemental chemical analysis: determination of impurities and gases (C/S, N/O, H, Ar) by ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and elemental analyzers.
- Morphology and particle size analysis: analysis by laser particle size analysis (ISO 13320), morpho-particle size analysis, and SEM to evaluate sphericity and particle size distribution (PSD), key factors in stacking and flowability.
- Flowability: characterized by flow time, it can be measured using a calibrated cone-type funnel. Hall or Carney funnel (ISO 4490 and ASTM B 213).
- Physical properties: measurement of density, specific surface area (BET), internal porosity, and moisture content.
- Apparent density and packed density are used to characterize, by mechanical effect, a powder's ability to organize itself by expelling air between the grains. (ISO 3953)
- True density is determined by pycnometry according to ISO 12154 or ASTM B 923.
Expertise in extreme surface areas
The oxidation state or the presence of contaminants at the extreme surface of the grains radically alters laser absorption.
- Contaminant identification: detection of particulate pollution by SEM-FEG-EDX (manual or automated).
- Surface analysis: chemical identification of oxide layers and the chemical forms present.
- Evaluation of additive manufacturing residue removal in medical devices according to ASTM F3335-20.
- Microstructure analysis characterized by metallographic examination.
Recycling and sustainability control
Reusing powders after printing alters their properties. We implement quality monitoring protocols to validate your recycling cycles without compromising the reliability of your aeronautical or medical parts.
As suggested by the NF E 67-010 standard presenting the technical specifications of powders for additive manufacturing applications, these tests can also be supplemented by measurements of specific surface area, humidity, etc.
FILAB supports you in the analysis and characterization of your metal powders
With significant experience in implementing these different techniques and benefiting from genuine expertise recognized within the framework of our COFRAC accreditations and SAFRAN approval (in particular according to the specifications Ma-0015 – Pr 6000 and Pr 7210), FILAB supports you in the context of your needs for metallic powder analysis and expertise associated with additive manufacturing activities.
Customer Qualification
SAFFRAN APPROVAL
Several years ago, FILAB was awarded Laboratory Qualification by the SAFRAN group under procedures GRP-0087 and GRM-0123. This qualification is regularly renewed following audits carried out by Safran on our premises.
FRAMATOME APPROVAL
In 2020, the FILAB laboratory obtained supplier approval from FRAMATOME and is now on the AVL (Approved Vendor List).
DASSAULT AVIATION APPROVAL
In March 2025, the FILAB laboratory obtained DASSAULT AVIATION approval. This approval makes FILAB a reliable partner for aerospace manufacturers.
AUBERT & DUVAL APPROVAL
Since 2024, the FILAB laboratory has been accredited by Aubert & Duval for the analysis of solid materials and powders. A leading player in the aerospace, medical device, and defense sectors, FILAB has established itself as a key partner for performing ICP-AES analyses.
Our FAQ
In Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technologies, the powder is not simply a consumable; it is the building material that defines the resolution, porosity, and final strength of the part.
The interaction hinges on the laser's ability to transfer its energy to the powder grains to create a stable melt pool.
For a laser to operate effectively, the powder must meet three major criteria:
- Morphology: the grains must be as spherical as possible to ensure good flow (homogeneous spreading on the build plate).
- Granulometry : the grain size (often between 15 and 45 microns) influences the layer thickness and the precision of the details.
- Chemical composition: high purity is required to avoid inclusions or trapped gases that would weaken the structure.
When the laser beam strikes the powder bed, several phenomena occur simultaneously:
- Absorption: some of the energy is absorbed by the grains (depending on their color and reflectivity).
- Multiple reflections: the laser beam bounces back and forth between the powder grains, which can increase overall absorption compared to a flat solid surface.
- Melting: the grains transition from a solid to a liquid state, forming a melting channel called a "keyhole" if the energy is very intense.
Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.
To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
