Laser bidezko prozesu gehigarrietarako hauts-elikagailuen azterketa eta kalibrazioa

Abstract

A stable powder feeding system is a key element for achieving the desired results in powder-based processes, such as, Laser Metal Deposition (LMD). Therefore, in the present research paper a comparison between the different existing feeder configurations is presented. After analyzing their characteristics, it is concluded that for the LMD process gravitation-based rotatory feeders and fluidization-based feeders provide the best results. Besides, a methodology is proposed for obtaining the calibration curves of gravitation-based rotatory feeders and results are presented for various metallic powders, such as Inconel 718, AISI 316L and Stellite 6. It is concluded that the powder feeder behaves lineally, what eases its programming. Furthermore, a single equation that determines the real powder feed rate of different materials based on the rotation speed is determined. For this purpose, the packaging coefficient of the metallic particles is defined and calculated.