Metal powder production by vacuum atomization

The problems inherent in metal atomization have spurred the development of vacuum atomization, a process showing much promise. In this process, the potential energy for atomization can be stored within the molten metal, which increases the efficiency. Also, the higher tap densities of vacuum-atomized powders, as compared with argon-atomized powders, is a distinct advantage. Alloy powders based on Ni, Co, Fe, Cu, Al, and misch metal have all been made successfully by this process. Powder metallurgy will play a significant role in this era of conservation and cost reduction, and vacuum atomization has shown that the unconventional approach may offer the most practical solutions to some of our current problems.