The quality of metal powder in 3D printing is crucial for achieving precise and stable results. Characteristics such as particle size, flowability, and purity directly impact part quality, process reliability, and the reusability of the powder.
This article highlights what truly matters when it comes to metal powder—and how systems like 2Sieve and 2Clean are revolutionizing powder processing in metal 3D printing.
Metal Powder in 3D Printing
The raw material to be processed—metal powder—plays a critical role in 3D printing (Laser Powder Bed Fusion; LPBF), where the part is built layer by layer. To ensure each layer is formed accurately and without defects, the metal powder must meet specific requirements.
Benefits of high-quality metal powder:
- Uniform layer formation
Enables stable, dense parts free of defects. - Smooth surfaces
Homogeneous, spherical particles lead to improved surface quality. - High density
Reduces porosity and increases the mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity of the parts. - Efficient printing process
Optimized flowability allows for smooth printing, reduces scrap, and shortens cycle times.
Key Properties of Metal Powder for 3D Printers
Particle Size
Particle Shape
Flowability
Purity
Packing Density
Particle Size
Small, consistent grains (15–45 µm) ensure dense and stable layers.
Particle Shape
Spherical particles promote good flowability and even distribution.
Flowability
Crucial for clean layer formation and reliable printing.
Purity
Fewer defects thanks to low moisture and absence of contaminants.
Packing Density
High density enables stable parts and an efficient printing process.
Flowability is one of the key properties of metal powder in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process. It describes how well the powder flows under gravity or vibration. High flowability enables even powder distribution, reduces voids, and is essential for creating dense, stable layers in the process.
Metal Powder Recycling & Handling: 2Clean & 2Sieve
With specially developed systems like 2Clean and 2Sieve, metal powder recycling becomes efficient and safe: Excess powder from the metal 3D printing process can be safely removed, gently sieved, and effectively prepared for reuse—ensuring sustainability and consistent printing quality.
2Sieve – Efficient Sieving of Metal Powder
2Sieve is a specially developed, compact ultrasonic sieving system designed to gently clean used metal powder (after printing) collected in the overflow container. The system removes coarse agglomerates and foreign particles without damaging the remaining powder.
The result: the powder remains reusable and retains its high quality.
Thanks to its operation under protective gas (e.g., argon), 2Sieve is also suitable for reactive powders like titanium or aluminum.
Benefits
– Suitable for reactive & non-reactive metal powders
– Low-dust, user-friendly operation
– Helps prevent printing errors and reduces costs by enabling powder reuse
2Clean – Post-Processing & Powder Recovery
2Clean is used after 3D printing to gently remove excess powder from printed parts and the build chamber. The recovered powder is then further processed using 2Sieve.
Note: 2Clean is suitable for non-reactive powders. For reactive powders like aluminum or titanium, a wet vacuum is recommended for proper handling.
Benefits
– Clean build environment
– Reduced dust exposure for improved operator safety
– Efficient powder recovery for reuse
Conclusion – Metal Powder in 3D Printing
Metal powder in 3D printing plays a major role in the quality and stability of printed parts. Clean, fine, and free-flowing powder ensures precise layers, fewer defects, and more reliable results.
Well-designed systems are key to enabling powder reuse:
- 2Clean removes excess powder after printing
- 2Sieve gently and efficiently sieves and cleans the powder post-print
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This way, the metal powder remains high-quality, material usage is reduced, and the entire printing process becomes more reliable and cost-efficient.
FAQ: Metal Powder in 3D Printing
What is powdered metal?
Metal powder is made from metal and consists of fine particles. It is used in various manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing (3D printing), powder metallurgy (PM), and thermal spraying or coating applications.
Why is the quality of metal powder for 3D printers (LPBF) so important?
The quality of metal powder for 3D printers is crucial because it affects the quality of the printed parts. Clean, consistent powder ensures precise layers, fewer printing errors, a smooth surface finish, and results in strong, durable, and reliable components.
What properties should metal powder in 3D printing have (LPBF)?
Important characteristics of metal powder in 3D printing (LPBF) include fine particle size (15–45 µm), spherical shape, high flowability, high purity, and good packing density.
What is the difference between 2Clean and 2Sieve?
2Clean is used after printing to gently vacuum excess powder from components and the build chamber. The collected powder can then be further processed using 2Sieve.
2Sieve sieves the powder from the 3D printer’s overflow, removing coarse particles and contaminants gently, thereby preserving the high quality of the metal powder.
Is sieving possible with reactive metal powders like titanium?
Yes. 2Sieve can also be used with reactive metal powders, as it operates under protective gas (e.g. argon).
What are the advantages of metal powder recycling in 3D printing?
Metal powder recycling helps reduce costs through material reuse, ensures consistently high powder quality, reduces waste and print defects, and supports more sustainable use of raw materials.
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Author: Markus Wolf
Passionate about 3D printing, while being
CTO and Co-Founder of 2onelab.
