Explosion Risk of Metal Powder Used in Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

The explosive characteristic parameters of additive manufacturing (AM) dust were systematically studied. A systematic experimental study was performed on the characteristic parameters of dust explosions fueled by metal powder for AM, to obtain the distribution pattern of those parameters for four types of AM dust samples. Based on experimental data, the dust-explosive severity was classified via two-dimensional matrix analysis in terms of Pmax and Kst, and the dust-explosive sensitivity was classified via three-dimensional matrix analyses of the MIE, MIT, and MEC. Finally, a dust-explosive risk assessment model of AM metal powder was established based on comprehensive considerations of the dust-explosive severity and sensitivity, and four types of AM dust sample were applied empirically. The risk assessment method can provide a scientifically credible and effective basis for assessing and improving the AM process based on powder spreading.