A visual examination of the morphology and soundness of titanium alloy powders produced by the Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP) and other atomization methods

Powders produced by the PREP process consist of low porosity, closely sized, and highly spherical particles.  Consumable electrodes provide a defect free base material with controlled compositions for the PREP process.  Particle size and morphology are controlled by varying conditions. The limited satellites and spherical structure contribute to a highly flowable powder. This paper will present the results of evaluation of PREP titanium alloy powders produced at TIMET Powder Metals and discuss characteristics in comparison with the powders produced with other processes.