Proceedings of the
9th International Conference of Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (ASPEN2022)
15 – 18 November 2022, Singapore
doi:10.3850/978-981-18-6021-8_OR-01-0314
Characterisation of NdFeB magnet powder used for laser powder bed fusion
1College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive Block EA #07-08, Singapore 117575
2Additive Manufacturing Group, Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, 3 Cleantech Loop, #01/01 CleanTech Two, Singapore 637143
ABSTRACT
Additive manufacturing of NdFeB magnet powder using the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process is an emerging area of interest with potential to improve electrical machines with design freedom. This technology is not only dependent on the use of optimised process parameters, but also on the characteristics of the powder being used and the powder's fitness for use over time or after recycling. However, current research about the characteristics of the NdFeB magnet powder used and the effect of powder reuse is still limited. The aim of the research was to characterize the NdFeB powder used in virgin condition and after one manufacturing cycle with a Concept Laser M2 Cusing machine. An in depth understanding of the powder characteristics will provide insight on powder behaviour and melt-pool during processing. To achieve the research's goal, the characteristics of the virgin and recycled NdFeB powder were investigated. It was found that there was an increase in particle size observed after just one time of recycling. Majority of virgin and recycled powders showed good sphericity, with some elongated particles and satellite particles found. Both conditions of powders tested also present a good flowability according to the Hausner ratio and angle of repose. The rheology and flowability of the powder were also tested using the FT4 rheometer and Revolution Powder Analyser to better understand powder behaviour during spreading in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process.
Keywords: Powder Characterisation, NdFeB, Laser Powder Bed Fusion, 3D Printing.
1College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive Block EA #07-08, Singapore 117575
2Additive Manufacturing Group, Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre, 3 Cleantech Loop, #01/01 CleanTech Two, Singapore 637143
ABSTRACT
Additive manufacturing of NdFeB magnet powder using the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process is an emerging area of interest with potential to improve electrical machines with design freedom. This technology is not only dependent on the use of optimised process parameters, but also on the characteristics of the powder being used and the powder's fitness for use over time or after recycling. However, current research about the characteristics of the NdFeB magnet powder used and the effect of powder reuse is still limited. The aim of the research was to characterize the NdFeB powder used in virgin condition and after one manufacturing cycle with a Concept Laser M2 Cusing machine. An in depth understanding of the powder characteristics will provide insight on powder behaviour and melt-pool during processing. To achieve the research's goal, the characteristics of the virgin and recycled NdFeB powder were investigated. It was found that there was an increase in particle size observed after just one time of recycling. Majority of virgin and recycled powders showed good sphericity, with some elongated particles and satellite particles found. Both conditions of powders tested also present a good flowability according to the Hausner ratio and angle of repose. The rheology and flowability of the powder were also tested using the FT4 rheometer and Revolution Powder Analyser to better understand powder behaviour during spreading in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process.
Keywords: Powder Characterisation, NdFeB, Laser Powder Bed Fusion, 3D Printing.
