TITANIUM POWDERS USED IN POWDER BED FUSION: THEIR RELEVANCE TO RESPIRATORY HEALTH

Sonette Du Preez,Johan Lodewykus Du Plessis,Deon Johan De Beer

doi:10.7166/29-4-1975

Sonette Du Preez, Johan Lodewykus Du Plessis + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.7166/29-4-1975

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Abstract

This study aimed to characterise three titanium powders used in powder bed fusion in terms of particle size, shape, and elemental composition for comparison with safety data sheet (SDS) information, and their relevance to additive manufacturing (AM) operators’ respiratory health. Thoracic (< 10 μm) and respirable (< 4 μm) particles were present in the virgin and used powders. If inhaled, these particles have the potential to cause adverse health effects. Discrepancies in particle size and elemental composition compared with what was declared in the SDSs were found. The SDSs provided insufficient information, which places AM operators’ health at risk. Recommendations for promoting AM operator health are provided.

Highlights

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is described as the leading additive manufacturing (AM) technology for the production of three-dimensional metal structures [1]
The aim of this study was to establish the particle size distribution (PSD), shape, and elemental composition of titanium powders obtained from three AM facilities located in South Africa in order to compare them with the corresponding information declared in the safety data sheet (SDS) of these powders
The PSD from Facility A’s virgin Titanium 64 (Ti64) powder was in accordance with the SDS, with no particle size measuring greater than 50 μm (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is described as the leading additive manufacturing (AM) technology for the production of three-dimensional metal structures [1]. PBF technologies make use of either a laser or an electron beam to melt and fuse metal powder particles together. The metals powders used include titanium, titanium alloys, and numerous stainless steel and other metal alloys. Titanium and its alloys are of importance and interest due to their broad application in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries [2]. Ti6Al4V is the most widely used titanium alloy; it consists of six per cent aluminium, four per cent vanadium, 0.3 per cent (maximum) iron, 0.2 per cent (maximum) oxygen, and the remainder titanium [4],[5]

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