LPW Technology Invests in Malvern Systems to Measure Performance-defining Properties of AM Powders
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Malvern, UK: Particle characterization systems from Malvern Instruments are helping LPW Technology, a UK-based global supplier of metal powders, to provide certified powders for additive manufacturing (AM) applications in the aerospace, automotive and biomedical sectors. Particle size and shape are performance-defining parameters for AM powders. Malvern’s Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer delivers rapid, routine particle size measurement for all the powders that LPW supplies. The Morphologi G3, a microscopy-based automated image analysis system, enables quick, efficient and statistically significant measurement of particle size and shape parameters.
“Malvern’s reputation and local presence in the UK were key factors when it came to buying the Mastersizer 3000,” said Dr. Robert Deffley, Research and Development Manager at LPW Technology Ltd. “But certain features of the instrument are especially valuable. We use software capabilities, which were originally developed by Malvern for pharmaceutical industry users, to apply and demonstrate the analytical rigor required for certification of our powders. In addition, the performance of the dry dispersion system allows us to measure powders in the dry state. This makes measurement and analysis fast, easy and efficient so we achieve excellent analytical productivity.”
The efficiency of AM processes, and the quality of finished components, depends on the flow behavior and packing density of the powders used. Particle size directly influences these properties and is part of the specification for all LPW products. Sieve Analysis can be used to characterize larger particles but laser diffraction is the technique of choice for the sub-45 µm range. The Mastersizer 3000 is used intensively, by both engineers and technicians, to gather the data required for new product development, QC and evaluation of powder re-use during AM, leading to optimized materials for serial production.
Particle shape and particle shape distribution are also known to influence how metal powders flow and pack. “We know that particle shape directly influences AM performance and so an efficient imaging system is an essential tool for us,” said Dr Deffley. “In a comparative assessment the Morphologi G3 delivered the perfect balance between speed of measurement, image resolution and price. We’re looking forward to using it to further advance our understanding of AM powder behavior, which will enhance our products enabling us to offer the highest quality powders, supplied to the tightest specification for repeatable, reliable results.”
Find out more about Malvern systems for particle characterization www.malvern.com/particlesize.
For more information about LPW visit www.lpwtechnology.com.
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern’s materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency.
Our products reflect Malvern’s drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment.
Malvern systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications.
Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com
For press information, please contact:
Trish Appleton,
Kapler Communications
Phoenix House, Phoenix Park
Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, PE19 8EP, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1480 471059
Fax: +44 (0)1480 471069
trish.appleton@kapleronline.com
USA contact:
Marisa Fraser, Malvern Instruments Inc.
117 Flanders Road
Westborough, MA 01581-1042 USA
Tel: +1 508 768 6400
Fax: +1 508 768 6403
marisa.fraser@malvern.com
Enquiries:
Alison Vines, Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road
Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1XZ UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456
Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789
salesinfo@malvern.com
www.malvern.com
