Course dates

This course will be run again in 2021. Please contact us to arrange an in-company version of the course.

Course content

Metal and Plastic Powders in the AM process:

  • Recycle and quality issues;
  • Contamination and Oxidation issues;
  • Standards for AM Powders
  • Key H&S issues

Basic introduction to handling processes:

  • Hoppers for storage and discharge; flow patterns, principles of reliable flow
  • Powder flow properties;
  • Pneumatic conveying; key components, features and operating issues;
  • Fluidisation;

Characterisation and control of powder properties

  • Powder flowability/spreadability measurements;
  • Environmental effects;
  • Density measurements and particle morphology

Basic overview of powder evolution and quality loss

Quality Considerations

  • Sampling
  • Control of flow properties;
  • Segregation in processes
  • Particle aggregation;
  • Powder electrostatics;
  • Particle degradation

Format

The first couple of sessions will provide a basic introduction to the subject, leading to in depth studies on  quality considerations later in the course. Presentations and demonstrations (where appropriate) will be used to illustrate key points with time for discussion built in.

Why should you attend?

If you work in powder-based AM processing you will find this course to be invaluable as you are guided through the critical aspects of powder handling and management. You do not need any previous formal training to attend, you just need to work in this relatively new field of processing. It will also be extremely useful if you are about to change career direction to AM processing.

Presenters

Experts from the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, Carpenter Additive  and Fraunhofer IFAM Institute, Bremen have come together to pool their knowledge to provide a varied programme of presentations and discussions.

Richard Farnish, Senior Consultant Engineer of the Wolfson Centre, has worked internationally on design and troubleshooting of bulk solids handling as a commercial consultant and research expert for over twenty years.

Dr Neil Harrison, Materials Development Manager at Carpenter Additive, has over 5 years of academic and industrial experience in metal powder AM, including work on alloy design, powder behaviour and powder evolution.

Dipl-Ing. Claus Aumund-Kopp,  Group Leader for AM at the Fraunhofer IFAM Institute in Bremen, has worked with metal powders for AM powder bed fusion and AM binder jetting approaches for over fifteen years.

Please note: Each of the above companies reserves the right to substitute leaders of equal quality should this be dictated by circumstances beyond their control

Venue

To be confirmed 

In Company course

If you are interested in holding this course at your premises, please contact us for details.