Metal Powders
The MPC's high-pressure gas atomization (HPGA) capabilities make possible higher-quality metal powder materials and alloys than can be produced using current commercial atomization systems. The fine, clean, spherical shapes of the powders created with the HPGA technique allow greater compaction, maximizing the number of powder particles that can be packed into a limited space and enhancing the consolidation processes and the final properties of the product.
The following video is a slow motion capture of an atomization event.
View the atomization video
[link takes you to the Ames Laboratory Youtube Channel]
Additional video of atomization in action is available. Preparation/Handling: Consolidation:
In addition to a 10 kg-charge HPGA and a 25 kg-charge HPGA, other MPC facilities for preparing powdered metals include: