The SpreadStation Powder Analyzer measures the spreadability of powders by actually spreading powders in a layer and then analyzing the properties of the powder.
Powder is loaded into a spreading device that includes a feeder and a spreading surface. The spreading device rests on the build surface and has an adjustable gap at the bottom to control the layer thickness. The build surface is rotated to create a linear motion between the spreading device and the build surface. This linear motion spreads the powder in a layer on the build surface. Images of the created layer are captured and the thickness of the layer is measured using either a laser or capacitive distance sensor. The spread layer is then removed from the build surface by a scraping blade and is weighed.
The SpreadStation can be equipped with up to four spreaders and the build surface can be a solid surface or a powder bed. Spreading speed is programmable from 1 to 300 mm/s. Spreading layer thickness can be set from 20 micrometers to 2 millimeters. The build area can be purged and heated to 250 Degrees Celsius. Samples are loaded into the spreader through a trap door using a bottom emptying sample cup.
Mercury Scientific Inc. manufactures instruments that test powder properties in Newtown, CT USA. Our products include Revolution Powder Analyzer for dynamic flow measurements, SpreadStation and the Evolution Powder Flow Tester and the Volution Shear Tester for static (Unconfined Yield Strength) measurements.