In the atomizing method, powders having different characteristics can be produced by controlling the properties of the molten metals, atomizing medium and conditions. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of these factors on powder characteristics.
The results were summarized as follows :
1. The average particle size decreased with increasing water velocity and the apparent density of the powder decreased when the powder was produced at higher water velocities.
2. The distribution curve of the particle size also shifted from coarse to fine and the apparent density decreased with decreasing surface tension of the molten metal.
3. With the increase of the temperature of the molten metal, the amount of fine powder (under 55μ) increased.
4. When a nozzle with a large diameter was used, the distribution curve of the particle size shifted from fine to coarse and the time required to pulverize a definite amount of the metal was reduced.