In powder metallurgy (PM) processes, boron nitride and zirconia ceramic nozzles are used depending on the type of metal materials.
Main Features of Ceramic Nozzles
- High-temperature resistance: withstands temperatures above 1500°C from molten metals or plasma flames.
- Wear resistance: resists erosion from powder or gas flow for long-term operation.
- Chemical inertness: does not react with active metals or gases.
Applications at Different Stages of Powder Metallurgy
Stage: Powder Preparation
- Process: Gas Atomization
- Functions of Nozzles: High-pressure inert gas (such as nitrogen or argon) impinges on the molten metal stream to form fine powder; ceramic nozzles control flow and particle size.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Boron Nitride and Zirconia
- Typical Metals: High-purity or reactive metals such as titanium and nickel-based alloys.
- Process: Water Atomization
- Functions of Nozzles: Ceramic nozzles provide corrosion resistance and precise flow control.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Zirconia
- Typical Metals: Used in high-pressure water atomization for preparing low-cost powders such as iron-based powders.
Stage: Powder Spraying or Deposition
- Process: Thermal Spraying
- Functions of Nozzles: During coating or preform preparation (e.g., plasma spraying or HVOF), ceramic nozzles spray metal powders onto substrates to form dense coatings.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Boron Nitride and Zirconia
- Typical Metals: Applicable to all metal powders.
Stage: Powder Transportation and Treatment
- Process: Fluidized Bed or Pneumatic Transportation
- Functions of Nozzles: Ceramic nozzles are used to control gas flow, evenly disperse or convey powders, and prevent agglomeration or clogging.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Boron Nitride and Zirconia
- Typical Metals: Tungsten, molybdenum, iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminum, titanium, tantalum, and other active metal powders.
Stage: Treatment After Sintering
- Process: Cooling or Atmosphere Control
- Functions of Nozzles: Ceramic nozzles spray inert gases (e.g., hydrogen, nitrogen) or cooling media to control furnace atmospheres and accelerate part cooling to prevent oxidation.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Boron Nitride and Zirconia
- Typical Metals: High-performance metal powders such as high-speed steel, titanium alloys, and amorphous/metallic glass powders.
Stage: 3D Printing (e.g., Binder Jetting)
- Functions of Nozzles: Ceramic nozzles are used to accurately spray binders or metal slurries.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Boron Nitride and Zirconia
- Typical Metals: Powder metallurgy additive manufacturing applications.
Stage: Degreasing or Cleaning
- Functions of Nozzles: Ceramic nozzles are used to remove temporary binders or residual powder from compacts.
- Ceramic Nozzles: Zirconia
- Typical Metals: Titanium and its alloys, nickel-based superalloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, refractory metals (tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum), precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), and high-entropy alloys.
Technical Specifications / Features:
- High-temperature resistance above 1500°C
- Wear and corrosion resistance
- Chemical inertness
- Suitable for various powder metallurgy processes: atomization, spraying, transportation, sintering, 3D printing, cleaning
- Boron nitride and zirconia ceramics available in multiple compositions and strengths
- Customizable properties for specific applications