Element invests in powder characterisation capabilities for Additive Manufacturing
Element Materials Technology, headquartered in London, UK, has invested in a dedicated powder characterisation site for Additive Manufacturing at its laboratory in Huntington Beach, California, USA. The site will incorporate a full suite of powder characterisation testing equipment to expand its current offering and provide customers with more technically demanding options.
The new testing services available at Huntington Beach will include chemical composition analysis, powder sieve analysis, particle size distribution, flow rate, apparent density, tap density and gas pycnometry. Once additively manufactured, Element is also able to perform mechanical, dynamic, chemical and metallurgical testing on the parts produced.
Rick Sluiters, EVP Aerospace at Element, stated, “3D printing is well beyond an emerging market now, and is an increasingly important space for us to be working and investing in. Powder characterisation has applications in multiple industries, including aerospace and medical devices, which are key sectors for Element. Broadening our offering ensures that we are at the forefront of technical advancement, and we can provide a full suite of services to both new and existing customers.”
Element’s Huntington Beach laboratory has reportedly been providing materials testing and consulting for customers worldwide since 1982. With over 250 multidisciplinary, engaged experts and state-of-the-art equipment, the laboratory supports a diverse range of quality requirements, from routine high-volume testing to complex materials analysis and failure investigations. Its Nadcap-accredited testing capabilities supply the foundation for quality control and product improvement for many industries along the North American West Coast, including aerospace, military, nuclear and medical manufacturing.
