Research of 316L metallic powder for use in SLM 3D printing

Abstract

3D metal printing is an increasingly popular production of steel parts. The most widespread and most accurate method is SLM (Selective Laser Melting), which uses metallic powder as the input material. The article is dedicated to researching the supplied powder from Renishaw. The powder is made by gas atomization and 3 phases of powder (virgin, sift and waste) that are present in the SLM process are examined. Powder morphology by SEM electron microscopy is investigated and the porosity of the powder is measured by optical method. Next, the powder grain size fraction is examined. In conclusion, there are recommendations and other directions of possible research. The main quantitative result from research is that, in general, small particles are reduced in the sift powder and the number of larger particles is increased, but the powder is still usable for further use.