The Metal Powder Industries Federation has released a collection of standards for characterizing metal powder for use in additive manufacturing applications.

The collection contains nine existing MPIF Standard Test Methods with an explanation of each standard. These standards are intended to present and clarify PM technology for designers, manufacturers, and users of metal AM parts.

The standard is available in PDF format, Printed Edition and Printed Edition plus PDF formats. For members, prices range from $40 to $56. For non-members, they range from $50 to $70. Members can log into www.mpif.org to receive the discounted rate.
Non-Members can proceed directly to the new publication via the MPIF Publications Portal.

Standards included in the collection:

MPIF Standard 01– Method for Sampling Metal Powders. This standard describes the methods for sampling powders received in containers, and for sampling powders in the process of being packaged from blenders or other containers.

MPIF Standard 02 – Method for Determination of Loss of Mass in a Reducing Atmosphere for Metal Powders (Hydrogen Loss). This standard describes the method to determine loss of mass for metal powder.

MPIF Standard 03 – Method for Determination of Flow Rate of Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Hall Apparatus. This standard describes a method to determine how well powder will flow by using a standardized funnel.

MPIF Standard 04 – Method for Determination of Apparent Density of Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Hall Apparatus. This standard describes the method to determine the apparent density of a powder when the powder is flowing freely under the force of gravity only (i.e. no outside energy or force is added to change the void space between particles).

MPIF Standard 05 – Method for Determination of Sieve Analysis of Metal Powders. This standard describes a method to assess the particle-size distribution of a powder lot by having the powder pass through a series of screens with progressively smaller openings, and weighing the material left on each screen.

MPIF Standard 28 – Method for Determination of Apparent Density of Non-Free-Flowing Metal Powders Using the Carney Apparatus. This standard describes the method to determine the apparent density of a powder when the powder does not flow freely under the force of gravity alone. This test is used for powder that cannot be tested by MPIF Standard 04.

MPIF Standard 46 – Method for Determination of Tap Density of Metal Powders. This standard describes the method to determine the maximum density of a powder when vibrated under certain conditions.

MPIF Standard 48 – Method for Determination of Apparent Density of Metal Powders Using the Arnold Apparatus. This standard describes the method to determine the apparent density of a powder using an alternative method from MPIF Standard 04 or 28.

MPIF Standard 53 – Method for Measuring the Volume of the Apparent Density Cup Used with the Hall and Carney Apparatus (Standards 04 and 28). This standard describes a method to determine the volume of the cup used to determine apparent density in Standards 04 and 28.

Metal Powder Industries Federation
www.mpif.org