Preparation of additive manufacturing powder by external field-enabled: a comparative assessment

As an important raw material for additive manufacturing (AM), the performance of powder is one of the key factors affecting the final product. Although, existing preparation methods have been maturely applied to AM powder. However, conventional methods cannot meet the urgent needs of AM for high-performance powder. Especially in terms of powder sphericity, particle size distribution, and purity, it is difficult to obtain powder with balanced performance by conventional methods. In view of this, external field-enabled atomization is an effective alternative method. In recent years, a large number of studies have explored the application of external field-enabled atomization in powder preparation. These studies demonstrate the great potential of external field-enabled atomization technology represented by electrospray and ultrasonic atomization for the preparation of high-performance AM powder. However, there is still a lack of systematic discussion to establish the relationship between external field-enabled atomization and AM powder. Therefore, this paper makes a comprehensive and systematic review of the research progress in the field of powder preparation by external field-enabled atomization. Firstly, the influence of powder properties on parts is analyzed from the perspective of AM. Some conventional methods of powder preparation are introduced, and their shortcomings are pointed out. Secondly, the mechanism, equipment, and process parameters of external field-enabled atomization are comprehensively summarized. It is proved that external field-enabled atomization is applicable to the preparation of high-performance powder. Finally, the main challenges of external field-enabled atomization in the field of powder preparation are summarized.

Automated summary

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the research progress in the field of powder preparation by external field-enabled atomization. Firstly, the influence of powder properties on parts is analyzed from the perspective of additive manufacturing. Some conventional methods of powder preparation are introduced, and their shortcomings are pointed out. Secondly, the mechanism, equipment, and process parameters of external field-enabled atomization are comprehensively summarized, proving its applicability in the preparation of high-performance powder. Finally, the main challenges of external field-enabled atomization in the field of powder preparation are summarized.