Effect of processing parameters on the properties of gas atomized powders of A2 tool steel

• Grant number: 20/01452-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2020
• End date: February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Piter Gargarella
• Grantee: Laura Emi Tavoni Mathias
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/27031-4 - Effect of process parameters on the metallurgical characteristics of additive-manufactured alloys, AP.JP

Abstract

The characteristics of the powder used in an additive manufacturing process are decisive for the quality of the parts produced. The best properties of parts manufactured through the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process are generally obtained using spherical powder, with Gaussian size distribution, with particles in the range of 15 to 45 microns and with low amount of satellite particles. There is a great challenge today in obtaining a large amount of powder that satisfy these conditions through gas atomizers. This manufacturing route is the cheapest to produce powder for additive manufacturing. This project aims to evaluate the effect of the different gas atomization process parameters (atomization pressure, gas-metal ratio, atomization temperature, among others) on the characteristics of A2 tool steel powders. Powders will be manufactured in a gas atomizer recently installed in DEMa-UFSCar using different process parameters. The powders obtained will be sieved and the different size ranges will have their morphology and formation of satellite particles, roughness and flowability analyzed. The experimental data obtained will be compared with predictions obtained by mathematical models previously developed by the research group of DEMa-UFSCar. (AU)