Overview
ISO/ASTM TR 52952:2023 provides a practical example linking macroscopic powder characterization to real-world spreadability in powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB/M) additive manufacturing. The technical report describes a combined in-situ imaging and rotating drum test methodology to quantify powder bed homogeneity during recoating and to correlate those observations with an automated rotating drum dynamic cohesive index measurement. Particle size distribution (PSD) and particle morphology are characterized beforehand by static image analysis (ISO 13322-1).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Correlation of rotating drum measurements with powder spreadability in PBF-LB/M machines for metallic powders.
- Powder characterization:
- PSD (D10 / D90) and morphology by static image analysis (ISO 13322-1).
- Example PSD ranges in the report: AlMgSc_Std (D10 26 µm, D90 66 µm), AlSiMg_Std (27 µm / 69 µm), NiCrMoNb_Std (17 µm / 45 µm), NiCrMoNb_Fine (6 µm / 27 µm), TiAlV_Fine (7 µm / 28 µm).
- Rotating drum test:
- Drum volume: 100 mL, filling ratio: 50% (50 mL sample).
- Rotation speeds used in the study range 2–60 r/min; CCD camera snapshots at 1 fps.
- Dynamic cohesive index derived from air/powder interface fluctuations on sequential images.
- In-situ layer homogeneity imaging:
- Layers deposited in a PBF-LB machine (30 µm layer thickness in the study) with recoating speeds of 30, 80, and 160 mm/s.
- Orthogonal camera captures each layer; image processing computes an “interface fluctuation” metric quantifying surface inhomogeneity.
- Methodology: Clear protocol for comparing rotating drum dynamics and in-situ spreadability using standardized image analysis and statistical averaging (e.g., 40 snapshots per drum speed in the experiment).
Practical applications
- Feedstock selection and qualification: Use rotating drum dynamic cohesive index together with PSD and morphology data to assess likely recoating performance before machine trials.
- Process development and optimization: Inform recoater speed, layer thickness and machine parameters to reduce layer irregularities and improve part quality.
- Quality control and supplier evaluation: Provide objective metrics for powder acceptance testing and supplier comparisons.
- R&D and materials science: Correlate powder micro- and macro-properties (cohesiveness, flowability) with AM process outcomes.
Who should use this standard
- Additive manufacturing engineers and process developers
- Materials scientists and powder suppliers
- AM machine manufacturers and test laboratories
- Quality assurance and standards bodies involved in powder feedstock qualification
Related standards
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - AM fundamentals and vocabulary
- ISO 13322-1 - Image analysis methods for particle size and shape
- ISO/ASTM 52907 - (Referenced for powder flowability context)
Keywords: additive manufacturing, PBF-LB, powder spreadability, rotating drum, dynamic cohesive index, powder flowability, PSD, particle morphology, feedstock materials, ISO/ASTM TR 52952:2023.