Research Progress on Preparation Process of 3D Printing Metal Powder by Gas Atomization

The metal powder prepared by gas atomization has small particle size, uniform composition, high sphericity and good fluidity, and the method has become the main preparation method of 3D printing spherical metal powder. However, gas atomization is a complex process of multi-phase flow interaction, and the change of subtle factors may lead to the change of powder characteristics, which has a decisive impact on the performance of 3D printed parts. The effects of metal superheat, gas-liquid flow rate, atomizing medium type, atomizing gas pressure and temperature, atomizer nozzle configuration and delivery tube geometry in the process of gas atomization on powder characteristics are reviewed. The development direction of 3D printing metal powder materials and preparation technology is also prospected.