Precision at the Smallest Scale
In additive manufacturing (AM), precision often begins long before a part takes shape on the build platform. In the world of 3D printing, that foundation lies in the powder itself—the raw material that can influence how smoothly a manufacturing process runs and how consistent the final product may ultimately be.
Metal powder testing plays an important role in evaluating this feedstock by assessing characteristics such as particle size, shape, flow behavior, and chemical composition to help determine whether it aligns with defined production requirements.
When conducted in accordance with industry standards, these methods can provide manufacturers with greater confidence that each batch of powder meets established criteria intended to support reliable, repeatable results. Spanning industries such as aerospace and automotive, as well as products ranging from medical devices to consumer goods, effective powder testing supports process efficiency, regulatory compliance efforts, and the integrity of additively manufactured parts.
Titanium in Medical Device Manufacturing
Imagine a medical device manufacturer preparing to produce titanium implants using additive manufacturing, for example. Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility make it a preferred material for a variety of applications, but its reactivity also means it can be sensitive to environmental conditions during handling and reuse. After several print runs, the production team notices minor variations in part density and surface finish.
Upon further investigation, laboratory testing of the titanium powder could reveal slight shifts in particle size distribution or oxygen content resulting from multiple reuse cycles.
This scenario illustrates a common challenge in additive manufacturing: even small changes in powder characteristics can sometimes influence how a material behaves during the printing process. Proactive, comprehensive testing helps manufacturers identify these kinds of variations early—before they may affect product quality or regulatory compliance.
From Data to Decisions: How Testing Informs Manufacturing
In cases like this, manufacturers may benefit from partnering with a third-party testing laboratory that understands both the science and the application. At Applied Technical Services (ATS), our team provides metal powder and additive manufacturing testing for a wide range of materials, offering insights that help evaluate material performance, troubleshoot issues, and support process optimization.
Our testing capabilities include, but are not limited to:
Each method delivers data that can guide informed decision-making and help manufacturers identify potential inefficiencies.
Complementing these capabilities, our powder analysis services provide additional insight into material behavior through:
- Powder characterization — Evaluating particle size distribution, flow rate, and density to help assess material consistency
- Contamination and residue analysis — Identifying potential moisture, oil, or oxygen contamination that could interfere with performance
- Chemical composition verification — Checking whether the powder’s elemental makeup aligns with material expectations
- Failure analysis and reuse assessments — Examining how powder reuse may influence part quality to help inform reuse strategies
Together, these services contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how materials may perform throughout the additive manufacturing process, helping manufacturers work toward consistent, high-quality results.
Guiding Manufacturers Toward Consistency
At ATS, our testing approach emphasizes collaboration and customer service, with a focus on practical problem-solving. We help organizations make informed, data-driven decisions to support consistency and quality in additive manufacturing, particularly in sectors where precision is essential.
Effective testing can play an important role in supporting performance and reliability across production runs. Together, we can help support efforts to keep your process running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Contact Us
To learn more about our additive manufacturing testing capabilities, or to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists, use our web request form or give us a call at +1 (888) 287-5227.
