Replies to post #2731 on Arcam AB fka AMAVF

[Nobahamas]

The importance of powder quality:2
(in case you missed the message)

any part produced using additive manufacturing techniques will only be as good as the metal powder used to print it


If the powder does not flow freely, it will not form an even layer over the base of the build chamber


http://www.theengineer.co.uk/manufacturing/in-depth/taking-care-of-the-fine-detail/1020870.article

At least one problem solved by AP&C

AP&C, the high quality powder manufacturing subsidiary of Arcam, uses proprietary technology for Plasma Atomization. This new strategic patent application covers a method to obtain optimal flowability of fine reactive metals powder for Additive Manufacturing.
http://www.arcamgroup.com/investor-relations/press-releases/cisionarticle/568514DFFCC4AD9D/

[flying_trader]

I am no expert but if they layer in another alloy to benefit from it's proprieties, doesn't that alloy then get mixed with all the other material in the production bed when the part is removed ? Don't they they just vacuum out and then reuse the powder that doesn't get melted into the part ? If so wouldn't that cause all the powder that wasn't used in the part to be contaminated, at least made not pure? Maybe it can still be used for something that doesn't require pure alloys...or maybe given the parts value they can afford to discard the unused powders... but interesting concept...

cheers