A new metal powder for additive manufacturing developed by Canadian firm Equispheres will enable users to increase the speed of production by 50% and increase a-basis mechanical performance by 20% to 30%, according to the results of powder testing recently conducted by the company. 

The powder quality testing was conducted at a facility that certifies materials for use in aerospace, space, and defense applications, the Ottawa-based company said in an October 11 release. 

“The unique properties of our powder, including the high sphericity, narrow particle size distribution, and low surface area results in significantly increased packing density. This allows an increase of powder layer thickness by a factor of 2, which significantly increases build speed,” the firm’s CTO, Dr. Martin Conlon, said in a statement. “Most importantly, this boost to build speed does not come with a mechanical performance penalty. Instead, the uniform nature of our powder ensures that parts are produced with reliable and consistent mechanical properties. The minimal variance in our performance results provides design engineers the statistical confidence to produce stronger, lighter parts.”

Testing of the material revealed layer thickness of 60 um; Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPA) of 449 ± 16; Yield Strength (MPA) of 272 ± 12; and Elongation of 6.4% ± 1.7%. 

“The additive manufacturing industry has been struggling with slow production speeds and poor-quality feedstock. We are excited that our unique powder can help resolve both critical issues,” Equispheres CEO Kevin Nicholds said in the release. 

McGill University recently conducted a study that found that Equispheres’ aluminum alloy powders can be used in sintering with binder jet printing technology.  

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