De-risk assessment: Powder Characterization

Evaluation and correlation of powder characteristics with the processability of the powder within the additive manufacturing process and with the respective part quality. Establish a correlation between powder properties and test specimen quality.

Background and justification: The powder characterization method PowderGenetics forms the basis for later evaluation and correlation strategies. Among the numerous variables along the whole additive manufacturing chain, PowderGenetics is a way to allow powder material to become measured, compared and evaluated. It aims to become one constant within the process. Achievements and status: PowderGenetics describes the elemental powder properties at the highest possible information depth. Determination of powder processability by evaluation and correlation of qualitative and quantitative information of powder properties. Detection of smallest deviations and the evaluation of their effect on both the manufacturing process and the correlated part quality. IABG successfully established a correlation between IN718 powder properties and the resulting part quality Benefits: In general, the space industry will benefit from quantifiable and reproducible powder analysis methods and the resulting improvement of the print quality and a stable production process for space components.