FlowTest
KTH is investigating the test methods available to quantify the flow properties of powders. Many techniques exist and some older ones are standardised. However, there is no agreement about which technique should be used. This makes the development of new powders more uncertain and slows down, amongst other things, the growth of additive manufacturing.
With the rapid evolution of additive manufacturing technologies, it is more important than ever to be abel to characterise properties of powder, including flowability. While techniques to measure powder flow have existed for over a century, old techniques fail to capture the behaviour of powder under manufacturing conditions. Modern measurement techniques lack international standardisation and, in some cases, understanding. This project will systematically compare measurement techniques and investigate their sensitivity to powder conditions, in order to suggest the optimum strategy for testing powders for additive manufacturing. Funded by KTH and supported by Swedish powder producers.