Processability of aluminum-matrix composite (AMC) by ultrasonic powder atomization

Processability of aluminum-matrix composite (AMC) by ultrasonic powder atomization

JEDYNAK Angelika, HÄRTEL Sebastian, PIPPIG Robert, CHOMA Tomasz

Abstract. This research presents a comprehensive study on the production of aluminum-matrix composite (AMC) powders using ultrasonic atomization for additive manufacturing (AM). The impact of different heat sources—plasma, arc, and induction melting—was evaluated on the processability and resultant properties of the AMC powders, including morphology, size, and composite structure. Additionally, induction melting was considered in terms of process parameters such as pressure difference, nozzle size, and frequency. The analysis of AMC powder processability revealed that the efficiency of the ultrasonic process depended on the selected heat source. The highest efficiency, nearly 50%, was attained with the induction system. All produced AMC powders exhibited high sphericity, with average sizes ranging from 88.2 to 120 µm. However, the desired composite structure was not achieved under tested conditions due to the decrease in SiC particle content from 20% in the feed material to approximately 3.5% in the final AMC powder. Based on these results, the research highlights the potential and limitations of ultrasonic atomization in AMC powder production, emphasizing the need for further optimization to improve powder quality and process efficiency for broader industrial application in AM.

Keywords
Additive Manufacturing, Aluminum-Matrix Composite Powder, Ultrasonic Atomization

Published online 4/24/2024, 8 pages
Copyright © 2024 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: JEDYNAK Angelika, HÄRTEL Sebastian, PIPPIG Robert, CHOMA Tomasz, Processability of aluminum-matrix composite (AMC) by ultrasonic powder atomization, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 41, pp 156-163, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903131-17

The article was published as article 17 of the book Material Forming

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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