Additionally to “normal” Inspection of additive manufacturing (AM) parts, Computed Tomography is another promising method used by Testia. Over the the past few years, the mechanical properties of AM metal parts have been developed immensely. But there is still potential to improve reproducibilty. Metal powder plays a key role for this improvement and its parameters need to be thoroughly studied to ensure a good quality of printed parts.
Powder parameters can be divided into three categories: morphological (particle size distribution, particle shape, closed pores), chemical (composition, powder cleanliness) and parameters derived from these (powder density, flowability). Common analyzing methods can only determine one parameter each. Testia employee Lucas Jobard developed a new analyzing method in his Master’s thesis, which can inspect several parameters with only one scan: particle size distribution, particle shape, closed pores and powder cleanliness.
Example of a CT scan of titanium powder
Besides the new CT scan process he also developed an image quality indicator that enables a differentiation between different types of material inclusions (impurities). Our goal is to offer this scanning method as a Testia service in the near future.
