Skip to main content
To KTH's start page

Powder metallurgy

Sweden is an international leader in powder metallurgy - 25% of the world's metal powder is made in Sweden. At the Unit of Processes, researchers improve metal powder production technologies, understand and develop powder characterisation techniques, ensure effective handling of metal powder and monitor and advance health and safety.

A photograph of the TQC Sheen thin film applicator at the KTH Powder Characterisation laboratory. A sample of powder has ben spread into a thin layer in order to measure its properties.
TQC Sheen thin film applicator at the KTH Powder Characterisation laboratory. This machine has been adapted to test powder spreadability using a methodology developed by KTH and Swerim AB.

At the Unit of Processes, we work to improve metal powder production technologies, understand and develop powder characterisation techniques, ensure effective handling of metal powder and to monitor and advance health and safety. We employ a range of modelling and experimental approaches to ensure efficient and effective research. We work with all major powder producers in Sweden and research institutes, as well as with partners across Europe.

Naturally, much of our current focus is towards additive manufacturing and we have invested in demonstration machines for students using polymer filament technology and stereolithography. These printers support our education, outreach and research activities. In addition, we are part of a consortium that uses a gas atomiser tailored for research and development, which is highly adabpatable to various configurations and process parameters and has the facility to add custom sensors to monitor and control the atomisation process.

The powder characterisation laboratory  contains state-of-the-art equipment to measure many properties of powders and powder particles, including some equipment designed in-house. The techniques by which powder is characterised, and what tests are used to make sure powder is suitable for a given application are no well standardised and are active fields of research. The equipment in the powder characterisation laboratory is also used for both teaching and to support research into powder production.

Contact

Christopher Hulme
Christopher Hulme Responsible for Powder metallurgy