Micro-powder Processing and Systems
Microsystems Design and Processing
Department of Materials Processing
Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University

[Purpose]
In order to supply various kinds of heat-resistant material powders for additive manufacturing, we are challenging to develop a freeze-dry pulsed orifice ejection method (FD-POEM).

[Outline of Research]
Alloy powders for 3D printings are fabricated by conventional powder manufacturing processes with melting and solidification, which require melting in crucible and preparation of ingots in the alloy manufacturing process. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the suitability in procurement of new powders for 3D printers.

In this project, we aim to achieve establishment of a technology for tailormade powders for 3D printers by developing the freeze-dry POEM method which can realize fabrication of spherical powders with well-controlled compositions without a melting process. We will apply the method to fabrication of powders for ultrahigh temperature materials and conduct fabrication and evaluation of additively manufactured alloy builds. This project will contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions through increase in temperature of heat engines such as gas turbines and jet engines and reduction of powder manufacturing energy.