Bulk and surface characterisation of metal powders for direct laser sintering

Two different metal powder mixtures usable for direct metal laser sintering were analysed. Bulk chemical compositions were determined with ion-coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Morphological, as well as microstructural properties of individual metal particles were determined with a light microscope and high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, SEM/EDS analysis has been performed for microanalyses of powder particles.