About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Advancing the Frontier of Powder Materials Processing and Sintering: A MPMD/EPD Symposium in Honor of Eugene Olevsky
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| Presentation Title |
A novel method for reconditioning reused laser powder bed fusion alloy powder |
| Author(s) |
Xiaoling Shen, Ching-Chien Chen, Dina Wael Samir Khattab, Paul Mort, Jeffrey P. Youngblood, Michael Titus |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Xiaoling Shen |
| Abstract Scope |
Refractory powders used in laser powder bed fusion are routinely reused across multiple builds to reduce material costs. However, a portion of the powder must be discarded due to surface defects such as spatter, partial melting, morphological alterations, volatilization and oxidation. These defects compromise powder flowability, alter chemical composition and impair the mechanical performance of the final components.
In this work we present a room-temperature plasma etching process to recondition spent powder by selectively removing surface contaminants and oxide layers. Systematic optimization of plasma parameters enables precise control of oxidation removal rates.
This method minimizes contamination, reduces operational costs and environmental impact, and offers scalable implementation for industrial powder management.
Finally, we show that plasma etching provides an effective strategy for restoring powder quality, preserving flowability and chemical integrity, and ensuring consistent part performance in additive manufacturing. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Powder Materials, Recycling and Secondary Recovery |