Metal Powder for Additive Uses in Manufacturing

October 24, 2017

Metal powder is created by the act of powder metallurgy. This means that any variety of metal, such as steel or iron, is compressed before being sintered to form a metallurgical bond. From there, the metal powder is used in a variety of different applications around the commercial world. We’re pretty sure you never knew just how much this process is used on objects you interact with in your everyday life. Let’s take a closer look at metal powder and see the benefits as well as different kinds that are available on the market.

All about Metal Powder

Metal powder is actually utilised in a variety of different ways. The primary way that metal powder is used is for the commercial coating of various products. Metal powder is also used in two other industries: additive fabrication and soldering. Let’s take a mini-detour to find out what metal powder does for each industry.

Powder Coating – Metal powder can be added to paint in order to give the end result a more metallic finish. Metal powder in paint will make a product look reflective, decorative, and a little more durable.

Additive Fabrication – This style of metal powder usage is largely consigned to the 3D printing industry. This exhaustive process includes heating up the metal powder into a liquid stream, thus atomised by gas. The heated metal powder will then be converted into microscopic spheres which help to create the 3D objects printed by 3D printers.

Soldering – Close to sintering, soldering involves heating up metal powder so that it turns to liquid in order to fill out any pits or irregularities in the primary object.

Different Kinds of Metal Powder

There are different varieties of metal powder and each has its own distinct performance and functions. With its wide range of uses, companies need to have several options. Listed below are some of the most common metals used in metal powders.

• Aluminium
• Brass
• Bronze
• Copper
• Graphite
• Iron
• Stainless Steel
• Zinc

As you can see, there are a wide range of options here that each can fulfil a different need. Whether used for a 3D printing company or on the production line of a manufacturer and distributor, metal powder can make a difference.

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