Project Two : Fabrication of a metal powder plasma atomizer

The development of manufacturing processes using metallic powders, such as additive manufacturing (AM), metal injection molding (MIM), and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), has drastically increased the demand for metal powders—not only in terms of quantity but also in terms of very strict physical properties.

The first important property, after purity, is the shape of the powders, with spherical shape being the most in demand. Another important property is the particle size (40–150 μm) and its distribution.

Several processes exist for manufacturing metal powders. Atomization is generally considered the best, due to the geometric properties of the powder particles that it makes possible to obtain.

Several types exist:

- Water atomization

- Gas atomization

- Plasma atomization

Plasma atomization makes it possible to obtain spherical powders of high purity, with particle sizes on the order of 40 μm, as well as a distribution ranging from a few nanometers to 240 μm.