Solid-state production of uniform metal powders for additive manufacturing by ultrasonic vibration machining

This work presents a new technique to generate uniform and micron-sized metal powders for additive manufacturing. By collecting discrete chips resulting from ultrasonic vibration machining, we demonstrate the feasibility of all solid-state production consistent powders with tight dimensional tolerance, the ability to control powder geometry, and good efficiency. The technique offers a new route for sustainable and low-cost manufacturing of high-quality metal powders. The powder generation mechanism is analyzed with a special tool path design to ensure consistent dimensions over multiple cuts. An analytical model to predict the dimensions of produced powders under different cutting parameters is introduced. Aluminum and brass powders of different dimensions are produced, and the overall shear ratio that governs the deformation during the machining process is calibrated with the experimental results. The morphology consistency of produced powders is investigated over multiple hours of production, illuminating the role of tool wear on final powder shape. A high-efficiency powder collection system and a scalable solution for parallel production are proposed for the introduced technique. Additive manufacturing experiments (laser powder bed fusion) are conducted using produced A356 aluminum powders, demonstrating the printability of produced powders in additive manufacturing. The microhardness of the printed parts for five different process parameters is measured to be 45% higher than the raw material on average. [Display omitted] •Uniform metal powders are produced by ultrasonic vibration machining.•A specially designed tool path achieves consistent powder generation.•An analytical method is proposed to predict powder dimensions.•Multiple sets of powders are produced, and morphology is verified by SEM.•Laser powder bed fusion tests are successfully conducted with produced powders.