You would like to analyze the rheology of your powders using GranuDrum
Powder rheology: predicting and controlling spreading by GranuDrum
In industrial processes using powders (particularly in additive manufacturing, compression molding, or layer-by-layer deposition), the final quality depends directly on the material’s flow behavior and spreading capacity.
A powder that is too cohesive, sensitive to humidity, or has poor flowability can generate heterogeneous layers, internal defects, or product variability. These phenomena are often detected late, directly on the machine, resulting in high costs in terms of time, materials, and equipment downtime.
Rheological analysis allows us to anticipate these risks. At the Filab laboratory, we use the GranuDrum to measure and predict the spreading capacity of powders before they are integrated into your processes.
Measure the cohesion and fluidity of your powders under dynamic conditions with GranuDrum
The GranuDrum is an instrument dedicated to analyzing the dynamic behavior of powders. It relies on the controlled rotation of a drum containing the sample. A high-resolution camera continuously analyzes the free surface of the powder.
Two major parameters are determined:
- The dynamic flow angle, which reflects the powder's ability to move under stress.
- The cohesion index, which quantifies the interactions between particles.
This data allows for the objective evaluation of a powder's fluidity and its propensity to form a homogeneous bed. A powder with a low cohesion index and stable behavior under rotation will generally have better spreading capabilities.
This approach offers a relevant correlation with performance observed under industrial conditions, particularly in metal or polymer additive manufacturing.
Anticipating performance in additive manufacturing and layer-by-layer processes
In technologies such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM), each deposited layer determines the mechanical performance and repeatability of the produced parts.
Poor spreadability can lead to:
an uneven distribution of the powder bed
fusion defects
excessive porosity
a dispersion of mechanical properties
Direct machine testing remains possible, but these tests are lengthy, expensive, and poorly suited to the upstream phases of material selection or qualification. Dynamic rheological analysis then provides an effective predictive alternative.
The FILAB laboratory assists you in analyzing the rheology of your powders using GranuDrum
A predictive approach to secure your decisions
The analysis performed by the Filab laboratory allows for:
- comparison of different batches or suppliers,
- evaluation of the impact of particle size variation,
- study of the effect of humidity or powder recycling,
- qualification of a new material before integration into production,
- optimization of the material/machine pairing.
In the R&D or industrialization phase, this data facilitates decision-making and reduces empirical machine testing.
Instruments for the analysis of powders :
GranuHeap: measurement of the static properties of a metal powder (angle of repose, static cohesion index).
GranuPack: measurement of the dynamic compaction of a metal powder (apparent density, tap 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.
Our additional services
GranuDrum measurement is part of a comprehensive material characterization strategy. The results can be correlated with:
Chemical composition analysis of metallic powders using ICP-AES, ICP-MS and/or using C/S, O/N, and H elemental analyzers
Density measurements in accordance with the ASTM B527 and ISO 3953 standards
Granulometric analysis using laser granulometry in accordance with the ISO 13320 standard
Flowability testing in accordance with the ASTM B213, ISO 4490 and ASTM B964 standards
SEM FEG EDX or Optical Microscope morphological analysis
This comprehensive approach helps to identify the root causes of a flow or spreading problem, and to guide corrective actions tailored to your process.
Our FAQ
Because a powder can behave very differently depending on its surface condition, moisture content, particle size, or storage history.
Rheological characterization allows us to anticipate the risks of insufficient flow, excessive cohesion, or poor spreadability before machine testing, which is often costly and time-consuming.
The GranuDrum analyzes the dynamic behavior of a powder placed in a rotating drum.
It allows for the determination of, among other things:
- the dynamic flow angle,
- the cohesion index.
These parameters reflect a powder's ability to move and form a homogeneous bed under conditions similar to industrial stresses.
Spreading capacity depends directly on the interactions between particles.
A highly cohesive powder will tend to form agglomerates and generate irregular layers.
Conversely, a powder with a low cohesion index and stable flow will generally have a better ability to form a uniform bed, particularly in layer-by-layer processes such as additive manufacturing.
No. While it is particularly strategic for processes such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM), it is also useful for:
- filling and dosing operations,
- compression (pharmaceuticals, powder metallurgy),
- mixing processes,
- pneumatic conveying.
Any application involving controlled powder flow can benefit from dynamic rheological analysis.
Yes. The GranuDrum is particularly well-suited for comparative studies:
- qualifying a new supplier,
- validating a change in particle size,
- assessing the impact of a formulation modification,
- monitoring the stability of a batch over time.
The quantifiable results allow you to objectively assess the differences and make informed technical decisions.
Several situations present an opportunity:
- launching a new material,
- difficulty spreading or recurring production defects,
- changing suppliers,
- regulatory requirements or the need for material qualification.
Anticipating these issues early often helps avoid costly industrial trials.
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.
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.
