Powder & Bulk Solids: FROM NANOPARTICLE AGGLOMERATION PROBLEM TO PERFECT TUNGSTEN POWDER FLOW

Tungsten is a heavy metal powder that, in our testing, had a typical density ≈ of 700 lb/cu ft. It is frequently used in fields like aerospace and medicine because of its exceptional strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and high melting point (6,170˚F). Yet, its processing difficulties–particularly at the nanoscale–can limit its potential for uses like 3D printing. Advanced Powder Solutions (APS), GEMCO’s affiliate company, helped a customer achieve optimal flowability for ultra-fine tungsten powder. Providing a solution for manufacturing parts to be used for underwater purposes such as waves and tidal turbines to generate electricity.

The Challenge

The customer, an expert in 3D printing, was looking for a way to “coat” (sometimes referred to as “treat”) its submicron tungsten powder for improved flow during the 3D printing process. The small size of the particles presented a significant challenge. Agglomeration–the tendency of particles to clump together–threatened to disrupt the delicate flow needed to maintain even distribution and bed density for successful 3D printing.