Binder jetting

Particle size distribution is critically important for binder jetting, since it affects powder bed packing and flowability – which, in turn, affects build quality and final component properties.

To measure the particle size distribution of metal, ceramic, and polymer powders for binder jetting, laser diffraction is an established technique used by powder producers, component manufacturers, and machine manufacturers worldwide to qualify and optimize powder properties. Malvern Panalytical provides instruments to support these manufacturers with laser diffraction. Using our Mastersizer in a laboratory setting, or using Insitec online, laser diffraction can provide a complete high-resolution particle size distribution.

Both particle size and shape influence powder bed density and powder flowability. Since these, in turn, affect final component properties, particle shape is another property that it’s important to optimize in binder jetting. Smooth, regular-shaped particles are preferable because they can flow and pack more easily than those with a rough surface and/or irregular shape.

To enable additive manufacturers to achieve this regular shape, the Morphologi 4 automated imaging system can be used to classify and quantify the size and shape of metal, ceramic, and polymer powders. It does this by combining particle size measurements, such as length and width, with assessments of particle shape features, such as circularity and convexity (roughness). 

Analyzing the elemental composition of metal alloy powders is particularly important in binder jetting, since small variations in the concentration of alloying elements can affect its chemical and physical properties – including strength, hardness, fatigue life, and chemical resistance. To detect these variations, contaminants, or inclusions in metal alloys and ceramics, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is an effective technique to determine the elemental composition, offering significant time and cost savings compared with alternative techniques. Malvern Panalytical’s XRF systems, such as our Zetium and Epsilon, can support additive manufacturers with this. For ceramics, X-ray diffractometers such as our Aeris can also be used to determine chemical composition. 

When it comes to evaluating the chemical properties of polymeric materials, the Morphologi 4-ID, which combines automated imaging with Raman spectroscopy, can be used to obtain particle-specific chemical information. Our Labspec near-infrared spectrometer can also be used for the chemical analysis of polymers.

Analyzing powder’s microstructural characteristics – such as phase composition, residual stress, grain size, and grain distribution (texture) – is critically important for metal additive manufacturing, since they can affect the chemical and mechanical properties of the final manufactured component.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) systems are an effective way to analyze these microstructural characteristics and optimize the final component’s properties. To support additive manufacturers with this, Malvern Panalytical offers a range of material analysis solutions. For instance, benchtop XRD systems such as our Aeris are an effective solution for conducting phase analysis of metals. For additional information on texture, grain size, and residual stress under a wide range of conditions, multi-purpose diffractometers like the Empyrean can be used. What’s more, XRD is also widely used to study the structure and crystallinity of polymers and ceramics. Finally, our Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) system, Omnisec , provides an accurate way to determine the molecular weight and structure of polymeric powders and binders.