L-PBF Additive Manufacturing Using SUS 316L Water-Atomized Powder

Gas-atomized powder is commonly used for Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) because of its good flowability. On the other hand, water-atomized powder is inexpensive and has great potential for application to middle range AM products. In this study, SUS316L water-atomized powder was applied to L-PBF additive manufacturing. Firstly, the relationship between particle size distribution and powder flowability was experimentally clarified that required for L-PBF additive manufacturing. Additionally, Mechanical properties of AM products with water-atomized powder were shown to be at level of industrial materials through evaluation of AM test pieces. Finally, an extruder die plate was manufactured based on the evaluated mechanical properties. It was revealed that water-atomized powder is useful for practical L-PBF AM products.