Analysis of Aluminum Alloy Powders for Additive Manufacturing Fabricated by Atomization

Powders for selective laser sintering based on commercial aluminum and some cast and wrought aluminum alloys as well as three experimental alloys have been prepared by atomization technique. The micromorphology of the powders is characterized by nearly spherical main particles distributed with the maximum in the region of 50 μm as well as existence of satellites. It is demonstrated that the adhesive strength between satellites and the main particle revealed by static light scattering before and after ultrasonic treatment can be attributed to peculiarities of its solidification.