Device and Method for Atomizing Molten Materials

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This invention introduces a device and method for atomizing molten materials (like metals or ceramics) to create fine powders. The device uses a specially designed gap and channel where molten material is sheared and fragmented into small droplets by a high-speed stream of heated propellant fluid (such as gas). A key improvement is the active temperature control of the propellant fluid, which compensates for cooling during expansion. This helps prevent premature solidification, enabling continued atomization into fine particles and improving powder quality.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Manufacturing high-quality metal powders for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and powder metallurgy
• Producing fine ceramic or metallic powders for sintering processes
• Generating powders for coating technologies, such as thermal spray or plasma spray coatings
• Fabrication of advanced composite materials with precise particle size distribution
• Creation of customized powders for electronics or magnetic applications

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables production of powders with consistently small and uniform particle sizes, meeting demanding quality standards (e.g., for 3D printing)
• Improves efficiency and effectiveness of atomization by preventing clogging and premature solidification of materials
• Reduces the need for overheating molten materials, thus saving energy and preserving material properties
• Allows precise control over the processing environment, enhancing the flexibility and versatility for different materials and target applications
• Minimizes equipment complexity compared to some previous systems and enables adaptable operation for various materials and process parameters

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for atomizing molten materials. To this end, molten material (6), which passes through a gap opening (5) in order to reach an outlet opening (2.1) that is flown through by propellant fluid, is sheared when contact occurs with the propellant fluid stream (3.1) along the inner wall of the flow channel (10.2), wherein a temperature reduction of the propellant fluid stream (3.1) is compensated in an expansion region for the propellant fluid flow (3.1), which is located in the flow direction (3) and downstream of the gap opening (5), by increasing the rest temperature of the propellant fluid.