Ultrasonic metal powder atomization cell
DESCRIPTION
3DLab's ATOLab+ ultrasonic atomizer enables the production of non-reactive and reactive metal powders for the additive manufacturing sector as well as for more conventional sectors.
Services include the design and manufacture of ad-hoc experimental casts in all types of Fe, Al, Ni,... based materials in the casting unit and their subsequent transformation into powder, with the possibility of graduating the composition of alloys and microalloys.
Another service consists of the manufacture of metal powder from material supplied by the customer in wire, bar or chip format.
MOST OUTSTANDING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS
Arku bidezko fusio moduluaThe arc melting module allows metal melting on the ultrasonic platform of 1-10 mm diameter bars and 0.8-1.2 mm diameter metal wires for subsequent atomization.
The induction melting module is designed for melting chips and any other type of geometries in intermediate melting point materials such as aluminum alloys for subsequent atomization. It allows the recycling of these materials to manufacture high quality metal powder.
The set of powder quality controls performed at Azterlan consists of the measurement of the fluidity, powder moisture, composition analysis by ICP-OES. Its size distribution can also be evaluated by scanning electron microscope inspection and subsequent analysis of the captured images.
The system allows for screening of the manufactured powder in the following sizes: 20, 45, 63, 100 and 120 µm. The powder that has passed through the sieve retains its protective atmosphere.
The ultrasonic module can be either 35 or 52 kHz. The higher the frequency of the ultrasonic sonotrode the smaller the size of the manufactured dust particles, the range being 25-55 µm for 52 kHz and 25-70 µm for 35 kHz.
SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ASSET
Design and development of powders adjusted to manufacturing process/component
Manufacturing ad-hoc metallic powders, especially in Fe, Al, Ni, and other alloy based.
Manufacturing of “master alloys” in powder format
Metal atomization from wires or rods
Recycling of shavings and post-production rests
ENTITY MANAGING THE ASSET
FUNDACIÓN AZTERLAN
Contact person: Ana Isabel Fernández
