Ignition sources for dust fires and explosions can take many forms. When powders are heated, however, new subtle sources of ignition hazards are revealed: Those associated with the inherent thermal instability properties of the powder being heated or dried, and the nature of the drying process.

The SC Processor delivers heat transfer to transform slurries into powders or increase the viscosity of slurries in a single step. 

This article will review those areas and the role of metal powders and industrial gases in several AM processes that involve laser metal fusion and laser metal deposition. It will also discuss how industrial gas technologies are helping to address the challenges ahead.

Difficult-to-disperse powders can pose a challenge to food manufacturers due to the formation of lumps or "fish-eyes" during processing.