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What is aluminium powder?
Aluminum powder (also known as silver powder) is a metallic pigment that’s a shade of silver. The aluminum powder is produced by adding powder to pure foil, crushing it down into a scaly powder and then polishing. Aluminum powder has good heat reflection, is light, buoyant, and conceals well. After treatment it can become non-floating Aluminum Powder. Aluminum powder can identify fingerprints, and it can also be used in fireworks. Aluminum powder is a type of metallic pigments because of its variety of uses, popularity, and high demand.
What is the purpose of aluminum powder?
The particles of aluminum powder used in the pigments are scaly. The scaly particles are what give the aluminum powder a metallic colour and shielding effect. Metal aluminum powder is produced industrially since a very long time. Ramming was an early method of production. The aluminum crumbs was placed in the groove of punching machine. The machine drove a ramming hammer to continuously punch aluminum crumbs into the groove. The ductile metal gradually shatters and becomes flakes. The aluminum is then screened to remove the powdered aluminum that meets the required specifications. The ramming technique has a low production efficiency, and it is hard to control the quality of the products. There is also a lot dust, which can easily catch fire and explode.
German Hamtag began producing aluminum powder using a mill in 1894. Steel balls, scrap aluminum and lubricants went into the ballmill, where the scrap aluminum was crushed by the steel balls. This resulted in scaly aluminium powder that filled the ballmill and pipeline with inertness. The method of “dry production” is still being used for gas. J. Hall, a scientist in the United States who invented this method, added petroleum solvents to the ballmill to replace the inert air. The powdered aluminum was then mixed into a solvent and made into a pigment slurry. This method has been widely adopted because it is safe and easy to use. The “wet method” is the method used by most modern aluminum powders. Aluminum powder can also be used for the manufacture of fireworks and explosives. Certain types of electronic devices are also made from it. A lot of paints and sealing agents contain aluminum powder.
Is Aluminum Powder Dangerous?
Exposure to fine particles can cause lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) and be accompanied with coughing, shortness in breath. Aluminum powder can be a flammable, solid substance that may pose a fire risk.
Powder coatings have a lower risk of fire than regular paints. Comparing powder/air to solvent/air, the ignition energy is 50-100 times higher. A mixture of air and flammable powders or dusts can be explosive, posing a danger. Transport, storage, and processing are all safe if the appropriate measures are taken beforehand. To ensure safety, the powder concentrations for the powders listed above must not exceed 10g/m3. In the spray zone, this concentration often exceeds 10g/m3. There is always enough oxygen in the air, so it is essential to avoid sparks with more energy.
Comparing resin powders without pigment, adding 5-6% of aluminum powder increases the “powder constant” (Dust Constant is a measure for explosive power), and the maximum explosion pressure by 10%. As the amount of aluminum powder increases, so will the explosive power. Aluminum powder with a content greater than 25 percent will have the same explosive power as pure metal powder. The dependence on pigments made from aluminum powder does not affect the initiation energy. Pure resin powder will not reach the required initiation energy, no matter what dispersion technique is used. Aluminum powder with a pigment content >10%, fine particles and uncoated aluminium powder can reduce the ignition energy.
Aluminum-containing powder coated coatings are identical to pigmented powder coated coatings. Fire or explosion is not a problem as long they don’t exceed the specified limit.
Aluminum powder must not be separated, accumulated or concentrated in the factory to ensure the safety of spraying. These requirements are also applicable to solvent-based paints that contain gold and copper powder. The explosion risk directly caused by the copper-zinc powder alloy is lower than that of aluminum.
Aluminium powder characteristics
The aluminum powder suitable for the pigment is the one whose particles have the shape of scales. Its surface has been treated and it is suitable for using as a pigment. Aluminum powder paste consists of a pigment, aluminum powder, and solvent. Its characteristics and use are similar to those of aluminum powder. The output and dosage is larger because it’s easy to use. Comparing to other pigments, the aluminum powder for paints has more features in these aspects:
1. Scaly coverings have certain characteristics.
The particles of aluminum powder are scaly and have a diameter-to-thickness ratio between (40:1) and (100:1). Aluminum powder dispersed on the carrier has the characteristic of laying parallel to the substrate. The powders of aluminum are interconnected. The particles are filled together to form a continuous metallic film that covers the surface and reflects light from outside. The uniqueness of aluminum powder lies in its ability to hide. The surface area of the aluminum powder is a function of the diameter-to-thickness ratio. Aluminum is stretched during the grinding process, the diameter-to-thickness ratio continues to increase, and the hiding power also increases.
2. Shielding characteristics aluminum powder
This continuous layer of aluminum powder is formed by multiple layers of aluminum powder in parallel in the carrier. The spacing between the layers of aluminum powder prevents the capillary pores in the carrier film from allowing moisture or gas to pass through. This is due to the physical shielding properties of aluminum powder.
3. Aluminium powder’s optical properties
The aluminum powder is a white aluminum powder with high metallic luster. Its smooth surface can reflect between 60% and 90% of visible, ultraviolet and infrared lights. The surface of the object is silvery, bright and coated with paint that contains aluminum powder. Aluminum powder is known for its ability to reflect light.
4. The “two color effect” of aluminum powder
Aluminum powder exhibits a metallic luster, and is parallel to the coated item. The gloss and color depth change depending on the angle of incident light and the viewing angle. This is the “two color effect”. The aluminum powder in the coating is arranged differently in the film. When light strikes each layer of aluminum flake, the film thickness is affected by the light differently. Also, the brightness of the reflected light varies. As light enters a film that contains transparent pigments, it passes through the particles of pigment to become colored and is then reflected by various levels of aluminum. This results in changes of color tone and metal light. This property of aluminum powder is used widely in coatings such as hammer-paint or metallic paint.
5. Aluminium powder floats
The large floating type of aluminum pigment powders and pastes for pigments are characterized by their scaly appearance on the surface.
This 3D printed electric motorcycle is fully functional and made with aluminum powder
Airbus has entered the 3D motorcycle market. Light Rider, a 3D printed electric bicycle, is the future for electric cars and 3D printed vehicles.
This 3D bike was launched by APWorks, a subsidiary of Airbus, and was described by them as “corrosion-resistant, combined with lightweight aluminum and almost specific strength titanium.” Scalmalloy – a special alloy for APWorks – is responsible for these qualities. Aluminum powder developed by researchers.
So, what is the best way to use powder for printing something as sturdy as a bicycle. Airbus has explained that Light Rider is made of thousands thin layers with a thickness of 60 microns. Hollow frame adds to the appeal of this 3D printed electric bike. Comparing to other bicycles the frame weight has been reduced by 30%. Joachim Zettler – CEO Airbus APWorks GmbH – explained that this bicycle cannot be made using traditional milling or welding techniques. The team decided on a hollow, branched structure. So, now each Light Rider 3D printed weighs less than 35kg.
Light Rider may seem like a toy but it is incredibly practical. The top speed of the Light Rider is 49m/h, despite not being Harley. The company’s aim is to use 3D Printed electric bicycles mostly for urban driving. Airbus claims the battery of its electric vehicle can travel 37 miles after each charge.
(aka. Technology Co. Ltd., a trusted global chemical supplier & manufacturer has more than 12 years of experience in providing high-quality Nanomaterials and chemicals. Currently, we have developed a number of materials. Aluminum powder produced by us is high-purity, has fine particles and contains low impurities. Send us an e-mail or click the desired products to
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The particles of aluminum powder used in the pigments are scaly. The scaly particles are what give the aluminum powder a metallic colour and shielding effect. Metal aluminum powder is produced industrially since a very long time. Ramming was an early method of production. The aluminum crumbs was placed in the groove of punching machine. The machine drove a ramming hammer to continuously punch aluminum crumbs into the groove. The ductile metal gradually shatters and becomes flakes. The aluminum is then screened to remove the powdered aluminum that meets the required specifications. The ramming technique has a low production efficiency, and it is hard to control the quality of the products. There is also a lot dust, which can easily catch fire and explode.
German Hamtag began producing aluminum powder using a mill in 1894. Steel balls, scrap aluminum and lubricants went into the ballmill, where the scrap aluminum was crushed by the steel balls. This resulted in scaly aluminium powder that filled the ballmill and pipeline with inertness. The method of “dry production” is still being used for gas. J. Hall, a scientist in the United States who invented this method, added petroleum solvents to the ballmill to replace the inert air. The powdered aluminum was then mixed into a solvent and made into a pigment slurry. This method has been widely adopted because it is safe and easy to use. The “wet method” is the method used by most modern aluminum powders. Aluminum powder can also be used for the manufacture of fireworks and explosives. Certain types of electronic devices are also made from it. A lot of paints and sealing agents contain aluminum powder.
Is Aluminum Powder Dangerous?
Exposure to fine particles can cause lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) and be accompanied with coughing, shortness in breath. Aluminum powder can be a flammable, solid substance that may pose a fire risk.
Powder coatings have a lower risk of fire than regular paints. Comparing powder/air to solvent/air, the ignition energy is 50-100 times higher. A mixture of air and flammable powders or dusts can be explosive, posing a danger. Transport, storage, and processing are all safe if the appropriate measures are taken beforehand. To ensure safety, the powder concentrations for the powders listed above must not exceed 10g/m3. In the spray zone, this concentration often exceeds 10g/m3. There is always enough oxygen in the air, so it is essential to avoid sparks with more energy.
Comparing resin powders without pigment, adding 5-6% of aluminum powder increases the “powder constant” (Dust Constant is a measure for explosive power), and the maximum explosion pressure by 10%. As the amount of aluminum powder increases, so will the explosive power. Aluminum powder with a content greater than 25 percent will have the same explosive power as pure metal powder. The dependence on pigments made from aluminum powder does not affect the initiation energy. Pure resin powder will not reach the required initiation energy, no matter what dispersion technique is used. Aluminum powder with a pigment content >10%, fine particles and uncoated aluminium powder can reduce the ignition energy.
Aluminum-containing powder coated coatings are identical to pigmented powder coated coatings. Fire or explosion is not a problem as long they don’t exceed the specified limit.
Aluminum powder must not be separated, accumulated or concentrated in the factory to ensure the safety of spraying. These requirements are also applicable to solvent-based paints that contain gold and copper powder. The explosion risk directly caused by the copper-zinc powder alloy is lower than that of aluminum.
The aluminum powder suitable for the pigment is the one whose particles have the shape of scales. Its surface has been treated and it is suitable for using as a pigment. Aluminum powder paste consists of a pigment, aluminum powder, and solvent. Its characteristics and use are similar to those of aluminum powder. The output and dosage is larger because it’s easy to use. Comparing to other pigments, the aluminum powder for paints has more features in these aspects:
1. Scaly coverings have certain characteristics.
The particles of aluminum powder are scaly and have a diameter-to-thickness ratio between (40:1) and (100:1). Aluminum powder dispersed on the carrier has the characteristic of laying parallel to the substrate. The powders of aluminum are interconnected. The particles are filled together to form a continuous metallic film that covers the surface and reflects light from outside. The uniqueness of aluminum powder lies in its ability to hide. The surface area of the aluminum powder is a function of the diameter-to-thickness ratio. Aluminum is stretched during the grinding process, the diameter-to-thickness ratio continues to increase, and the hiding power also increases.
2. Shielding characteristics aluminum powder
This continuous layer of aluminum powder is formed by multiple layers of aluminum powder in parallel in the carrier. The spacing between the layers of aluminum powder prevents the capillary pores in the carrier film from allowing moisture or gas to pass through. This is due to the physical shielding properties of aluminum powder.
3. Aluminium powder’s optical properties
The aluminum powder is a white aluminum powder with high metallic luster. Its smooth surface can reflect between 60% and 90% of visible, ultraviolet and infrared lights. The surface of the object is silvery, bright and coated with paint that contains aluminum powder. Aluminum powder is known for its ability to reflect light.
4. The “two color effect” of aluminum powder
Aluminum powder exhibits a metallic luster, and is parallel to the coated item. The gloss and color depth change depending on the angle of incident light and the viewing angle. This is the “two color effect”. The aluminum powder in the coating is arranged differently in the film. When light strikes each layer of aluminum flake, the film thickness is affected by the light differently. Also, the brightness of the reflected light varies. As light enters a film that contains transparent pigments, it passes through the particles of pigment to become colored and is then reflected by various levels of aluminum. This results in changes of color tone and metal light. This property of aluminum powder is used widely in coatings such as hammer-paint or metallic paint.
5. Aluminium powder floats
The large floating type of aluminum pigment powders and pastes for pigments are characterized by their scaly appearance on the surface.
This 3D printed electric motorcycle is fully functional and made with aluminum powder
Airbus has entered the 3D motorcycle market. Light Rider, a 3D printed electric bicycle, is the future for electric cars and 3D printed vehicles.
This 3D bike was launched by APWorks, a subsidiary of Airbus, and was described by them as “corrosion-resistant, combined with lightweight aluminum and almost specific strength titanium.” Scalmalloy – a special alloy for APWorks – is responsible for these qualities. Aluminum powder developed by researchers.
So, what is the best way to use powder for printing something as sturdy as a bicycle. Airbus has explained that Light Rider is made of thousands thin layers with a thickness of 60 microns. Hollow frame adds to the appeal of this 3D printed electric bike. Comparing to other bicycles the frame weight has been reduced by 30%. Joachim Zettler – CEO Airbus APWorks GmbH – explained that this bicycle cannot be made using traditional milling or welding techniques. The team decided on a hollow, branched structure. So, now each Light Rider 3D printed weighs less than 35kg.
Light Rider may seem like a toy but it is incredibly practical. The top speed of the Light Rider is 49m/h, despite not being Harley. The company’s aim is to use 3D Printed electric bicycles mostly for urban driving. Airbus claims the battery of its electric vehicle can travel 37 miles after each charge.