| Abstract | For the additive manufacturing processes that use a powder bed, the quality of the latter is crucial for a profitable production. The powder bed quality is a matter that involves several aspects among which the density’s spatial uniformity and run-to-run reproducibility, as well as the surface flatness are key attributes. Controlling the quality of the powder bed produced by a given powder feedstock prior to its usage is an essential part of a quality plan for the production of AM parts. Improving the design of recoating systems is also a mean of obtaining a robust powder bed quality. Therefore, there is a need for quantifying the density and surface flatness of powder bed obtained in conditions representative to those in service. Three years ago, NRC Canada launched a challenge aiming at designing an equipment capable of quantifying the quality of a powder bed. The preliminary results obtained with one of these equipment are presented. Among the parameters tested, are the layer thickness, recoating speed, the type of recoater, blade and roller, roller speed and direction, and the surrounding atmosphere. Tests were performed on three different alloys, Al10SiMg, Ti6Al4V and IN718. Results reproducibility was of a special interest. The equipment shows promising capabilities; future perspectives are outlined. |
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