Analysis of Processability and Reusability of Ti6Al4V Powder for PBF-EB

Paper in proceeding, 2023

Processability in Powder Bed Fusion - Electron Beam (PBF-EB) depends on the number of factors, covering homogeneous powder bed, powder chemistry and interaction of the electron beam with the metal powder. For a good, consolidated part to be processed, the powder must be smoothly applied on the powder bed and the beam transmits the electrons throughout the powder layers. Only with powder of specific characteristics, e.g. narrow PSD, smooth and spherical morphology, high chemical purity this is possible. In this study two different TI6Al4V powder batches are analyzed, where one batch presented challenges with processability even in virgin state. For both powders, an assessment of the morphology, particle size, rheology, and chemistry will determine the feasibility to achieve optimal processability and the possibility to reuse in consecutive cycles.