New analysis method improves cleanliness and safety of 3-D-printed parts

Dr. Fabrice Bernier, researcher at the NRC, uses an X-ray microtomography machine to analyze powders used in 3-D printing.

The National Research Council (NRC) of Canada and metal powder supplier AP&C, a GE Additive company, have developed a new way to test the quality of powders used in 3-D printing. This method detects very low concentrations of foreign particles in powders using X-ray microcomputed tomography and 3-D image analysis. Each foreign particle is visualized and size, brightness, and overall concentration are measured. In situations where cross-contamination is a concern, the technique is more sensitive and discriminating than currently available chemical analysis methods, says the NRC.

The new method was validated with titanium powders used in the production of aerospace parts, in collaboration with industrial partners. The teams are expanding their capabilities to other materials and metals, such as nickel alloys. The method could be used to qualify recycled powders in applications where safety is important.