Ti6Al4V alloy powder prepared by electrode induction-melting inert gas atomization for 3D printing
YANG Qi-yun，WU Wen-heng，ZHANG Liang，HE Bei-bei，LONG Qian-lei，WU Kai-qi
（1. Shanghai Research Institute of Materials， Shanghai 200437， China 2. Shanghai Engineering Technology Research Center of 3D Printing Materials， Shanghai 200437， China）
Abstract：According to the characteristics requirements of metal powder materials used for 3D printing technology， Ti6Al4V alloy powder was prepared by vacuum electrode induction melting gas atomization （EIGA）. The effects of atomization pressure on the chemical composition， particle size distribution， particle morphology and flowability of the powder were investigated. Results show that the oxygen increment of Ti6Al4V alloy powder prepared by EIGA atomization technology is less than 0.02% （mass percent）. Some “satellite ball” and “hollow ball” particles form during the atomization process. With the increase of the atomization pressure， the average particle size of the powder gradually decreases and the powder flowability becomes worse. According to the requirements of 3D printing technology for powder properties， it is advisable to control the atomization pressure at 3.2-3.6 MPa.
2018, Vol. 28 
