Introduction to Ultrasonic Metal Powder Manufacturing
Ultrasonic metal powder production is achieved through ultrasonic atomization, which is a new type of powder production method developed in recent years. The molten metal is atomized into powder through ultrasonic waves.
The ultrasonic transducer converts the high-frequency sound waves generated by the driving power supply into high-frequency mechanical energy and operates for longitudinal high-frequency vibration. The vibration output end of the transducer is connected to the amplitude rod, and this longitudinal upward and downward vibration is transmitted to the atomization surface by the amplitude rod, generating standing waves. When the molten metal liquid passes through the atomization surface, it is broken into uniform micrometer sized droplets and fine mist, achieving atomization. Under the action of rotational centrifugal force and standing waves on the atomization surface, the atomized micrometer sized droplets are thrown out of the atomization surface and rapidly solidified upon cooling with air, forming micrometer sized metal solid particles. These particles that fall into the powder collection cylinder are collected to prepare the required metal powder.
Moreover, during the ultrasonic atomization process, the size of the fine mist of micrometer sized droplets can be accurately controlled, thereby accurately controlling the size of the metal powder. The higher the frequency of ultrasound, the finer the particles of metal powder, generally around 350 to 450 mesh.
For a long time, ultrasonic nozzles have been an ideal tool for atomizing molten metals and melts (such as solder). However, temperature limitations and wear on the nozzle atomization surface make them impractical in production environments. These issues have been overcome through the use of dual air/liquid cooling and a simple, replaceable rotating disc design. This proprietary design can maintain the thermal temperature of the transducer within a safe range even when atomizing molten metal liquids, greatly increasing production. The tool head made of titanium alloy material has the characteristics of high strength and durability, and is also suitable for some corrosive liquids.
The use of ultrasonic technology to prepare metal powders has many advantages:
1. The prepared powder has the advantages of high purity, low oxygen content, good sphericity, and uniform particle size distribution.
2. The equipment and process are simple, the operation is convenient, and the product quality is stable and controllable.
3. Significant advantages include low energy consumption, high utilization rate, and low cost.
4. Ultrasonic atomization method has significant characteristics such as environmental protection, energy saving, low-carbon, and hygiene.
At present, ultrasonic metal powder technology is only used to prepare powders of low melting point metals with melting points below 400 ℃.
