WOT takes the next step in the development of metal powders
The new powder atomisation plant at the Chair enables us to adapt powder materials to specific applications, customer requirements and manufacturing process profiles. And, of course, we are delighted that the new plant will enable us to significantly expand our profile in basic research. Due to their versatile properties and processing options, metal powders have a wide range of technical applications, from the automotive to the electronics industry.
One of the main areas of application is powder metallurgy, in which metal powders are processed into components using various sintering processes. This technology is often used in the automotive industry, for example, for the production of transmission parts, brakes and bearings, as it is cost-effective and precise. Another important and constantly growing field of application is additive manufacturing or 3D printing, where metal powder is used as a starting material for the layer-by-layer production of complex components. This technology is traditionally at home in the aerospace, medical and prototyping sectors, but is becoming increasingly widespread thanks to improved technologies.
However, metal powders are also used in large quantities in coating processes to protect surfaces or impart certain properties. Metal powders are processed into protective and functional layers by thermal spraying, build-up welding or soldering. They are also used as additives in paints and other coatings.
Finally, metal powders are also used in the electronics industry for the production of printed circuit boards, electrical contacts and semiconductor components, or in the chemical industry as catalysts in chemical reactions. They also play a crucial role in the manufacture of chemicals, plastics and pharmaceutical products.
Our professorship will be able to play a creative role in all of these areas in the future. The laboratory system is ideally suited for this due to its flexibility, as both very small quantities and demonstrator quantities can be produced quickly and in great variety. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the German Research Foundation (DFG) for its financial support and the company AMAZEMET for the smooth installation of the system, the additional support and the training on the system.
The powder plant is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) - project number 515508485.
Image: The image of AISI 316L powder particles from one of the first work tasks at the new powder atomisation plant at the WOT professorship.
14.3.2024 – Endowment of the professorship ( thomas.grund@mb… )
