Speaker
Description
A continuous growth for high quality metal powders in Additive Manufacturing applications forced INTECO to develop a novel vacuum inert gas atomization system, as standard atomization equipment has not seen major developments or improvements to fulfill the demanding tasks from the industry. The new system is characterized by special features which are supposed to overcome disadvantages of common atomization systems, like low yield or limited reproducibility. A peculiar focus was put on the automation of all process steps, including the casting and atomization procedure. This is essential to eliminate undesired influences from operators which would end in a significant volatility of the powder´s properties. Additionally the plant is designed to achieve a quick and precise cleaning of all parts when changing the produced grades. The high pressure gas nozzle was developed to not only grant a high efficiency but also to manufacture powder particles with low amounts of satellites. Low tap-to-tap times are achieved by optimized and synchronized process steps like evacuation, melting, atomization, and powder handling. Latter is supported by a unique powder cooling for a quick availability of the produced powder for subsequent operations. With the help of an integrated production management tool called IMAS the complete production is logged and documented.
Results of the commissioning of two plants including production experience is presented. The practical knowledge lead to further aspects of possible improvements. An outlook is given towards ongoing and further developments.