Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing represents one of the most significant innovations in the modern production landscape. However, the quality and reliability of printed components depend critically on the characteristics of the metallic or polymeric powder used, the process parameters, and the inspection of the finished part.
APM Laboratories supports companies and research centers operating in metallic and polymeric 3D printing, offering a complete range of chemical, physical, and metallographic analyses on materials and additive-manufactured components.
Powder Analysis for Additive Manufacturing
The consistency and quality of the starting material are essential to ensure reliable and repeatable components. Our laboratories perform all the necessary checks for the qualification and monitoring of metallic powders:
Elemental chemical analysis
- Determination of carbon, sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen content using infrared and thermal conductivity analyzers according to official methods ASTM 1019, ASTM E1447, ASTM E1409-13, ISO 13093.
- Determination of alloying elements by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) according to official methods ASTM E1479 and ASTM E2371.
Particle size distribution (sieving)
Measurement of particle size distribution through analysis with calibrated mechanical sieves, in accordance with reference standard ASTM B214-22. This method allows the evaluation of particle percentage in each fraction and the identification of batch-to-batch variations or powder degradation phenomena.
Hall Flow and apparent density
Evaluation of powder flowability and packing density according to industry standards ASTM B212-21, ASTM B329-24.
Morphological analysis and particle verification by SEM
Observation using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for characterization of shape, sphericity, and detection of satellites, oxides, or contaminants.
These analyses make it possible to control material stability, identify contamination, and ensure the proper quality of the powder before its use in additive manufacturing processes.
Testing on Printed Components
In addition to powder characterization, APM Laboratories performs mechanical and metallographic tests on components produced with additive technologies:
Tensile tests on specimens or samples taken from the printed component.
Metallographic analysis: preparation of metallographic specimens, optical and SEM observation for verification of microstructure, porosity, and defectology.
Hardness testing and evaluation of post-process treatment quality (thermal or surface).
These tests allow validation of the printing process, comparison of materials and production parameters, and assurance of compliance with required technical specifications.
Sectors and Applications
Our Additive Manufacturing analysis services are aimed at:
• manufacturers of metallic or polymeric components produced by 3D printing;
• suppliers and producers of powders for additive processes;
• research and development centers;
• aerospace, medical, automotive, energy, and precision mechanics sectors.
The APM Laboratories Value
• ACCREDIA-accredited laboratory No. 01224 for chemical and mechanical testing.
• Advanced instrumentation for elemental analysis, electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and physical testing on powders.
• Integrated approach: from raw material control to verification of the printed component.
• Specialized technical consultancy for result interpretation and support in supplier or process qualification.
Get in touch for more information