Characterization of powdered bulk materials using light and scanning electron microscopy

In this application note, ZEISS provides experimental data on the characterization of powdered bulk materials using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The bulk density and flow behavior are important parameters for characterizing powders used in powder-technology-based production processes such as the additive laser powder bed fusion process because these parameters essentially determine the workability of the powder across a wide range of production processes. Good flow behavior is of particular importance for powder-bed-based additive production processes for handling the powder and applying the powder layers, while a high bulk density is extremely important for manufacturing non-porous components.