3D MicroPrint GmbH a company pioneering the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) to produce complex, micro-scale metal parts, is using the FT4 Powder Rheometer® from Freeman Technology (Tewkesbury, UK) to identify ultra-fine powders that will process efficiently. The company works with powders less than five microns in size to deliver components with cutting edge accuracy and resolution. The FT4 Powder Rheometer differentiates raw materials that exhibit the superior flow characteristics required for successful use of 3D MicroPrint’s Micro Laser Sintering (MLS) technology, for applications in the medical, semiconductor, aerospace, energy and chemical industries.
MLS is a highly specialised form of Selective Laser Sintering with the capability to cost-effectively produce highly complex and bespoke micro size designs. In addition to supplying machines and powders for MLS, 3D MicroPrint runs a job shop to manufacture components and offers expert support for those looking to adopt the technology. The powder materials used, including titanium, stainless-steel and others, are all specified in terms of chemical purity, particle size distribution and particle shape. The FT4 Powder Rheometer enables the complementary measurement of dynamic flow properties which have been shown to correlate well with performance in AM processes.