Digitalisation of Atomisation
DigitAtom
Additive manufacturing of metals form powders is undergoing a major expansion and could revolutionise the manufacturing industry. Currently, powders for additive manufacturing are produced by a process called gas atomisation, in which liquid metal is broken into droplets using fast-moving gas. This process is complex and can be difficult to control. Typically, only 30%-50% of powder that is made for additive manufacturing is suitable. The rest must be recycled and this wastes a lot of energy, as well as increasing costs.
DigitAtom brings together major players in both academia and industry who have expertise in the production of metal powders. The project aims to gather existing knowledge about how gas atomisation is modelled. The project will then identify where research is most needed to build a complete model of the process. Such a complete model is called a digital twin. Once a digital twin is available, the process can be modelled more accurately. The process can then be optimised to produce powder for additive manufacturing more efficiently.
DigitAtom is coordinated by KTH and includes:
- Swerim AB
- Chalmers Tekniska Högskola
- AB Sandvik Materials Technology
- Carpenter Powder Products AB
- Erasteel Kloster AB
- Jernkontoret
- Linde Gas AB
- SSAB EMEA AB
- Uddeholms AB
Beginning and end dates
2021-08-16 - 2022-03-31
Funding Agency
Metalliska Material
