For the development of a small batch metal atomization system, based on free fall atomization (ffa) and close-coupled atomization (cca), different powder quality features were defined to estimate the influence of the process parameters. Copper-tin alloys were used as feed stock material. Particle size distribution, appearance of satellite particles, particle circularity and the flowability were recorded as criteria of particle quality. Using data obtained in these experiments, main process parameters such as atomization pressure, mass melt flow, and height of the spray chamber as well as the atomizer system have been evaluated with respect to powder quality features. The atomization system was optimized to produce high quality powder with narrow particle distributions (d_(84),3/d_(50,3) = 1.6 for ffa) and high circularity with mass melt flows in the range of 100 kg/h using melt volume between 100 and 1000 ml.
展开▼
