Industrial Solutions for Metal Powder Handling
In metal additive manufacturing (3D printing), spherical powders of reactive metals such as Titanium ($Ti$), Aluminum ($Al$), and Cobalt-Chrome ($CoCr$) are utilized. When stored or handled in ambient air, these fine metal powders absorb moisture and oxidize, leading to printing defects, poor mechanical properties, and explosion hazards.
Industry Challenges
- Combustion Hazards: Fine reactive metal powders are pyrophoric and can ignite if exposed to trace oxygen in static-prone areas.
- Moisture Absorption: Moisture causes metal powders to clump, resulting in uneven layers and print failures during powder recoating.
- Powder Recycling: Reclaiming and sieving unsintered powder without exposing it to atmospheric contamination.
The BET Solution
Our custom Additive Manufacturing Glove Boxes are designed to isolate powder storage, sieving, and recycling workflows under a Nitrogen or Argon atmosphere. Systems feature integrated anti-static ESD grounding, gas-tight transfer airlocks, and HEPA particulate filtration loops to capture fine dust particles.
