3D printing of customised particles for powder rheology, mixing and segregation study

Due to the heterogeneity of particle shape and surface, it remains a big challenge for quantitative analysis of the detrimental influencing factors for certain powder kinematics. The current study aims to investigate the relative effect of particle shape and surface on the bulk properties by printing of specific particle shapes with distinct surface textures using Binder Jetting. The FT4 powder rheometer is used to analyse the powder bulk behaviour and as a blending rig for binary particle mixing and segregation study. It is found that both particle shape and surface have significant effects on the powder flow and compressibility. Specifically, surface has overcome shape effect on the flowability of irregular-shaped particles and compressibility of all particles. Different shapes exhibit different segregation behaviours when mixed with spheres. With “ideal and colourful” particles created, we anticipate in providing a strong experimental validation for simulation study of particle dynamics.