Process Technologies for 3D Printing Powders
Produce flowable, high-purity 3D printing powders with precise particle properties and batch-to-batch stability. Hosokawa Micron Group offers integrated powder processing technologies—mixing, drying, milling and classifying—designed to meet the strict requirements of additive manufacturing. Whether processing virgin or recycled materials, our systems ensure reliable, efficient and repeatable powder performance.
From polymers to reactive metals, powders for 3D printing must meet tight specifications in terms of particle size, shape, flowability, moisture content and purity. Our solutions remove undersized particles, agglomerates and contaminants while conditioning the powder for consistent layer spreading, laser absorption and mechanical strength—critical for downstream print quality.
Polymer Powders
To produce high-performance polymer powders for 3D printing, raw materials must be crystallized, conditioned and/or polymerized. In addition to being perfectly spherical, the powder particles must also have the necessary shape retention, bulk density and the right melting point.
Hosokawa’s Conical Paddle Mixer/Dryer (CPM/CPD) enables gentle but efficient heating (100–300 °C) and mid-shear mixing under controlled conditions, enhancing the physical and chemical properties (such as bulk density and stability) of polymer powders like polyamides for powder bed fusion processes. This makes it possible to strengthen the particles by performing a crystallization step.
Polymer Reduction
Hosokawa Alpine's CW Contraplex pin mill is ideal for reducing polymers to powder form under cryogenic conditions. This wide-chamber impact mill with optimised pin geometry enables controlled grinding with minimal nitrogen use, preserving material integrity and reducing energy consumption during size reduction.
Metal Powders
Metal powders—especially hygroscopic or reactive grades—require careful handling to prevent oxidation, clumping or contamination. Hosokawa’s Nauta® mixer/vacuum dryer and CPM/CPD systems offer low-shear, inert atmosphere processing (e.g. argon) with low energy input. These systems are suitable for both new powder production and blending recycled and virgin feedstocks to reduce material waste.
Air Classification
Precise particle size distribution (PSD) is key to flowability and layer consistency. Hosokawa Alpine’s ATP Turboplex air classifier ensures reliable separation in the 5–150 µm range. For dedusting and oversize removal in a single step, the TTSP air classifier is uniquely capable of making two fine cuts—improving yield and powder quality for AM use.
Test Before You Invest
Run trials with your own materials on production-scale equipment at our 2,000 m² Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced process specialists work with you to determine the optimal process, equipment or plant setup. We offer lab and production-scale trials, each supported by a detailed technical report covering setup, process parameters and performance insights—helping you choose the best solution with confidence.
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Talk to our experts
Looking to improve your 3D printing powder performance? Let our specialists help you configure the ideal powder processing solution—tailored to your requirements.
Sustainable process technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 3% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
