Modeling and simulation of powder spreading of Inconel 625 based on 3DP process

Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) forming technology has the advantages of rapid forming speed, wide range of printing materials, unlimited printing shape and no need for supporting materials. In this paper, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is used to simulate the powder spreading process of Inconel 625. The influence of powder particle shape, powder ratio, roller size and roller horizontal speed on powder spreading is simulated. The results show that the horizontal velocity of powder laying roller and the shape of powder particles have great influence on the accuracy of powder spreading. The influence of powder characteristics on the forming quality is studied. It is found that if the particle size of powder is smaller, the fluidity will be lower, and the forming quality will be better; if the particle size of powder is larger, the fluidity will be better, but the precision of the part will be reduced. The results provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of Inconel 625 by using 3DP process.