Aluminum powder, a key material for 3D printing, excels in manufacturing complex and lightweight components due to its light weight and excellent corrosion resistance. However, the flammable and explosive properties of aluminum powder also make it necessary to pay special attention to safety protection during production and use. In recent years, explosions caused by aluminum powder are common, causing serious injuries and property losses. Therefore, whether in metal 3D printing or other applications, the safety protection measures of aluminum powder must comply with relevant specifications and standards to ensure the safety of production and R&D.
The cause of the explosion of aluminum powder
Aluminium powder is explosive because its extremely fine dry particles can be suspended in the air, which greatly increases the contact area with the air and improves the chemical activity. Once dust accumulates in the air to a certain concentration, it can quickly trigger a deflagration when it encounters an ignition source. Specific reasons include:
1. The dust concentration reaches the explosion limit: after the aluminum dust is mixed with the air, it encounters an ignition source, and the dust explosion will occur.
2. Accumulation of static electricity: In the process of aluminum powder production and transportation, due to the flow of aluminum powder in equipment and pipelines, powder and pipeline, powder and equipment, powder and powder rub against each other, resulting in static electricity.
3. Heat accumulation reaction caused by moisture: When aluminum powder is exposed to moisture and water vapor during storage, exothermic reaction will occur and spontaneous combustion will occur. For long-term storage, contact with humid air should be avoided.
4. Electrical spark generation: use non-explosion-proof tools to vibrate equipment and pipelines; Increased friction, sparks caused by mechanical impacts, explosions, etc.
Explosion-proof measures for aluminum powder
In view of the serious consequences that can be brought about by the explosion of aluminum powder, enterprises must pay attention to and take effective explosion-proof measures to prevent potential risks. Some practical measures can help enterprises avoid risks, carry out safe production, and research and development:
– Dust removal measures: Dust collection is a critical link, and the concentration of aluminum dust must be strictly controlled, and timely dust removal measures must be implemented in areas where dust may escape, while ensuring that these areas are kept away from ignition sources.
– Explosion-proof tools and equipment: Explosion-proof tools should be used at the operation site, grounding devices should be installed, and operators entering and exiting the production site should wear anti-static clothing and shoes.
– Storage of aluminum powder: Do a good job of storing aluminum powder and avoid contact with humid air.
– Electrical safety: To ensure electrical safety, operators should also be vigilant at all times to ensure standardized operation, timely detection of risks and stop them.
The importance of dust cleanup
The cleanliness of production is closely related to hidden dangers, and dust removal is very important. Whether it is the powder that remains in the molding chamber of the 3D printer or the waste powder after printing, it needs to be thoroughly recycled. In this process, it is quite necessary to have a professional explosion-proof vacuum cleaner.
The professional practice of Wansheng Intelligent Manufacturing
With its mature experience in handling flammable and explosive dusts such as aluminum powder and titanium powder, Wansheng Intelligent Manufacturing has obtained explosion-proof certification from national authoritative institutions, and has won wide recognition from customers for its high safety and efficiency. The equipment provided by the company not only shows high efficiency in the transportation, screening and cleaning of metal powders, but more importantly, the reliability of its safety performance. The safety design is reflected in every detail, such as inert gas protection and real-time monitoring of oxygen content, ensuring that the powder is not exposed to oxygen and water vapor during processing.
summary
Explosion accidents are always frightening, and both 3D printers and research institutes should pay enough attention. Only when protective measures are more standardized, occupational safety and production safety can be effectively guaranteed. Wansheng Zhizao 3D printing post-processing equipment has been certified by a third-party authoritative certification body to ensure that the explosion-proof performance meets the relevant regulations, and the equipment has a perfect and standardized grounding device to ensure the normal and safe operation of the equipment. Through these measures, the safety risks of aluminum powder in the 3D printing process can be greatly reduced, ensuring the safety and sustainable development of the industry.
