Comparative analysis and characterization of used and unused Alsi10mg powders

Reducing waste through powder reuse is one way to overcome the economic barrier brought on by the high cost of metal additively produced components. As a result, this study aimed to thoroughly characterize four AlSi10Mg metal powders from two various manufacturers, used and unused, as well as sieved and un-sieved. Analysis of various parameters such as the static angle of repose (AOR), particle shape, particle size distribution, and the angle of internal friction (AIF) were calculated. Based on AOR and flowrate, it was found that the virgin powder from the first manufacturer has better flow characteristics and shape than the other powders. It was showed that Virgin powder, used sieved powder, and used un-sieved powder of manufacturer 2, have higher AIF values than the Virgin powder of manufacturer 1, implying that they can sustain lateral stresses better. According to the experiment, sieved, previously used powders can still be employed in additive manufacturing.