Study on powder additive manufacturing in gas-phase using induction charging of particles

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K14449
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 27010:Transport phenomena and unit operations-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health,Japan
• Principal Investigator: SHOYAMA Mizuki 独立行政法人労働者健康安全機構労働安全衛生総合研究所, 電気安全研究グループ, 任期付研究員 (30631741)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 粉体 / 電場 / 誘導帯電 / 輸送 / 積層 / 分散

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Powder-based additive manufacturing technology in the gas phase offers low cost, reduced environmental impact, and prevention of material alteration. However, maintaining particle dispersion remains a significant challenge. This study presents a novel approach utilizing electric fields and vibrations to achieve controlled charging and motion of particles, enabling successful additive manufacturing in a dispersed state. Experiments were conducted using multilayer mesh electrodes and electrostatic acceleration electrodes for particle transport and deposition. The analysis of particle dispersion transport efficiency and movement within the electric field identified the critical importance of selecting appropriate electrode configurations and electric field strengths based on particle size.

Free Research Field

粉体工学・静電気工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

帯電粒子の運動制御に関する従来研究は接触帯電現象を利用するものが多く、粒子の獲得電荷が小さいので、多数の異種粒子を同極性に帯電・浮揚させてそれらの運動を電場空間で同時に制御することが難しかった。本研究では、個々の粒子に安全かつ効率的に同極性の電荷を付加出来る誘導帯電現象を利用するため、気相中で材料の損傷なく固体粒子を分散させた状態で積層させることができる。また、付着性・凝集性が高く気相中でのハンドリングが難しい数ミクロンサイズの粒子にも適用できるもので、革新的な積層造形技術の確立や従来材料の高付加価値化の促進に繋がる。