05 April 2017: Runcorn, UK: The first of an informative new series of laboratory services datasheets has been released by LPW Technology Ltd, the market leader in the development, processing and supply of high quality metal powders and solutions for the Additive Manufacturing (AM) industry. Designed to describe the processes and benefits of each of the chemical and physical analysis techniques LPW offers, the series debuts with Karl Fischer Titration testing.
“In response to questions we are regularly asked about the testing and analysis we undertake, we’ll be highlighting a different laboratory service each month,” says Lisa Holman, LPW’s Quality Engineer. “We’ll take an in-depth look at how each test works, the results it yields, and the advantages it may have to offer – if any – compared to other methods.”
The first test featured is Karl Fischer Titration, a fast, precise moisture content test suitable for all metal powders and alloys. It can determine 0.001 to 100% moisture (water) content in metal powders, is accurate to within 1% of the moisture detected in the sample, and can detect lower levels of moisture than any alternative technique.
“We’ve chosen to start the series with a test that has the potential to identify whether an AM build problem is associated with reduced powder flow due to moisture content,” adds Lisa. “Understanding the condition of the powder through repeated builds adds confidence to the integrity of the components and can reduce overall down time.”
LPW’s state-of-the-art laboratories undertake a comprehensive range of testing services to ASTM as standard, with ISO available on request, adding consistency and confidence to the AM process. To view the datasheet, click here.
About LPW
Established in 2007, LPW Technology is the market leader in the development, processing and supply of metal powders for additive manufacturing, and provides a comprehensive range of services for the AM industry. These services include the development of new alloys and expert application support. The company has developed a full range of optimised powders specifically for Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) with standard powders supplied from stock, and custom and development alloys available on request.
LPW Technology has developed PowderLife®, a unique AM powder lifecycle management system which strictly controls risk for manufacturers, adding confidence, reliability and traceability in metal powder production and repeated AM builds. LPW invests heavily in cutting edge analytical technology and offers a complete powder analysis service.
LPW Technology has its headquarters in Runcorn, Cheshire, UK. In June, 2014 the company formally established a US subsidiary LPW Technology Inc. situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, providing analytical services, product inventory and sales support to North and South America.
From these locations the company supplies high quality, certified powders to a global customer base including aerospace, biomedical and automotive industries. In 2015, it opened its German sales office and has a global network of resellers in China, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore and Turkey.
The company operates to quality control standards: AS 9100 & AS 9120 for aerospace, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 for medical.
LPW and PowderLife are the registered trademarks of LPW Technology Ltd.
LPW Technology is the proud recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2016.
Source: LPW Technology
