Additive manufacturing: powders at the heart of material-laser interaction
certifications
Additive manufacturing professionals, do you want to master the material–laser interaction of your powders?
The material–laser interaction is influenced by precise physicochemical parameters. Non-compliant powder can result in poor laser energy absorption or poor flowability, directly impacting the density and mechanical properties of the part.
What is additive manufacturing?
The additive manufacturing process involves producing a part by successively stacking powder melted by a laser beam. Unlike traditional processes based on material removal, additive manufacturing offers several advantages.
Indeed, now benefiting from a high level of maturity, this technology offers unparalleled design freedom and has found numerous applications in demanding markets such asaéronautique, space, medical, automotive, …
Whether they are metallic, ceramic or polymer-based, powder quality is crucial to this process. At the heart of the material–laser interaction, powders must in particular meet requirements for chemical composition, morphology, particle size distribution and minimum intraparticle porosity.
Our analysis and expertise solutions
Advanced physicochemical characterization
To ensure homogeneous melting, we analyze the fundamental properties of your powders:
Elemental chemical analysis: measurement of impurities and gases (C/S, N/O, H, Ar) using ICP-OES, ICP-MS and elemental analyzers.
Morphology and particle size distribution: laser diffraction particle size analysis (ISO 13320), morpho-granulometry and SEM to assess sphericity and particle size distribution (PSD), key factors in packing and flowability.
- Flowability : characterized by flow time, it can be measured using a calibrated Hall or Carney cone-type funnel (ISO 4490 and ASTM B 213)
Physical properties: measurement of density, specific surface area (BET), internal porosity and moisture.
- Bulk density and tapped density which characterize, through mechanical action, a powder’s ability to arrange itself by expelling air between the particles. (ISO 3953)
- True density determined by pycnometry according to ISO 12154 or ASTM B 923.
Extreme surface expertise
The oxidation state or the presence of contaminants on the extreme surface of the particles radically alters laser absorption.
Contaminant identification: detection of particulate contamination by FEG-SEM-EDX (manual or automated).
Surface analysis: chemical identification of oxide layers and chemical species present.
- Assessment of the removal of additive manufacturing residues in medical devices in accordance with ASTM F3335-20
- Analysis of microstructure characterized by metallographic examination.
Recycling and sustainability monitoring
Reusing powders after printing changes their properties. We implement quality monitoring protocols to validate your recycling cycles without compromising the reliability of your aerospace or medical parts.
As suggested by the NF E 67-010 standard, which sets out the technical specifications for powders used in additive manufacturing applications, these tests can also be supplemented by measurements of specific surface area, moisture content, …
FILAB supports you in the analysis and characterization of your metal powders
With significant experience in implementing these various techniques and genuine recognized expertise developed through our COFRAC accreditations and SAFRAN approval (in particular in accordance with the specifications Ma-0015 – Pr 6000 and Pr 7210), FILAB supports you with your metal powder analysis needsmetal powders and expertise related to additive manufacturing activities.
Our techniques for powder analysis
Customer Qualification
SAFRAN APPROVAL
Several years ago, FILAB obtained Laboratory Qualification from the SAFRAN group under procedures GRP-0087 and GRM-0123. This qualification is regularly renewed following audits conducted by Safran at our facilities.
FRAMATOME APPROVAL
In 2020, the FILAB laboratory obtained FRAMATOME supplier approval and is now part of the AVL (Approved Vendor List).
DASSAULT AVIATION APPROVAL
In March 2025, the FILAB laboratory obtained the DASSAULT AVIATION approval. This approval makes FILAB a reliable partner for aerospace manufacturers.
AUBERT ET DUVAL APPROVAL
Since 2024, the FILAB laboratory has been approved by Aubert & Duval for the analysis of solid materials and powders. A leading player serving the aerospace, medical devices and defense sectors, FILAB stands out as a key partner for ICP-AES analysis.
Our FAQ
To request a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone or by email.
Simply send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a customised technical and pricing proposal within 24–48 hours.
Timeframes vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast timelines tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent requirements.
In SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technologies, powder is not merely a consumable; it is the building material that determines the final part’s resolution, porosity and strength.
The interaction depends on the laser’s ability to transfer its energy to the powder particles to create a stable molten pool.
For a laser to work efficiently, the powder must meet three main criteria:
Morphology: The particles should be as spherical as possible to ensure good flowability (even spreading across the build platform).
Particle Size Distribution: Particle size (often between 15 and 45 microns) affects layer thickness and the accuracy of fine details.
Chemical Composition: High purity is required to prevent inclusions or trapped gases that could weaken the structure.
When the laser beam strikes the powder bed, several phenomena occur simultaneously:
Absorption: Part of the energy is absorbed by the particles (depending on their colour and reflectivity).
Multiple Reflections: The laser "bounces" between the powder particles, which can increase overall absorption compared with a flat solid surface.
Melting: The particles transition from a solid to a liquid state, forming a molten channel known as a "keyhole" if the energy is highly intense.
