(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- The feedstock used to additively manufacture, or 3D-print, metal parts is often a fine powder of metallic particles. The traits of these powders play a key role in determining the quality of printed parts, but many questions stand about how to optimize them.

What powder traits have the most effect on performance? How should they flow and spread during the printing process? Can leftover powder be collected and reused?

To improve the viability of additive manufacturing technology for industry, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking answers with the newly launched Metal Additive Manufacturing Powder (MAMP) Consortium. The MAMP Consortium will identify and tackle a broad spectrum of industrial needs with the intent of developing measurement solutions as groundwork for new standards. But to do so, it will require broad expertise.

The consortium is seeking expert members on MAMP from academia, the manufacturing space, standards development organizations, and other areas.

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