CAMSIZER X2 - Optical Particle Analyzer for Fine Powders

In this application note, Microtrac MRB provides information on the size and shape analysis of metal powders for additive manufacturing. The term “additive manufacturing” describes a process in which digital 3D design data, typically generated by computer-aided design (CAD), are used to build a component layer by layer by depositing material. Additive manufacturing, also widely known as “3D printing”, is a red-hot topic for R&D departments and small-scale production companies alike. Many manufacturers offer 3D printers or systems for additive manufacturing based on a variety of technologies and materials, for example in automotive, aerospace, defense, food, jewelry, medicine, and many other industries. Some of these methods have matured from a development tool for rapid prototyping to a standard production method.

The basis for most of the above-mentioned processes is a powder bed on which material is sequentially deposited. Depending on the desired specifications of the 3D components, different types of powders are employed in the printing process. The particle size distribution and shape of the powders is a critical parameter for the operating conditions of the printer and for the properties of the final product. The size distribution (average size, as well as the amount of dust and the number of oversized particles) but also the shape of the particles has a strong influence on the flow behavior of the powders.

In this application note, Microtrac MRB outlines some of the most common errors made in particle analysis. Particle analysis is an integral part of the quality control of bulk materials and is routinely performed in numerous laboratories. The methods used have often been established for years and are hardly ever questioned. Nevertheless, the procedure should be critically reviewed from time to time because a whole series of sources of error can negatively influence the results of a particle analysis.

This white paper provides an overview of the informative value and significance of particle analysis results and how to decide which method is best suited for a particular application. The most common methods to determine the particle size are dynamic image analysis (DIA), static laser light scattering (SLS, also called laser diffraction) and sieve analysis. This article presents the advantages and drawbacks of each technique, their comparability among each other as well as detailed application examples. Each method covers a characteristic size range within which measurement is possible, and which partly overlap. The three methods presented here, for example, all measure particles in a range from 1 μm to 3 mm. However, the results for measuring the same sample can vary considerably.

For quality control and quality assurance, the exact knowledge of size and shape of the particles in the product to be processed is essential. This application note demonstrates how technology from Retsch can be used to accurately characterize a wide range of particle types such as pharmaceutical granules.

Read this application note to learn about the advantages to using Dynamic Image Analysis for measuring particle size distributions. Using the CAMSIZER XT it is possible to measure particle size and particle shape in the 1µm to 3mm range, to a higher resolution than is possible from laser diffraction.