Mendeleev Russian University of Chemical Technology (Moscow, Russia)
B. V. Ermolenko, Cand. Eng., Associate Prof., Dept. of Industrial Ecology, ermolenko.b.v@muctr.ru
Yu. M. Averina, Cand. Eng., Associate Prof., Head of the Dept. of Logistics and Economic Informatics, averina.j.m@muctr.ru
O. V. Zvereva, Assistant, Dept. of Logistics and Economic Informatics, zvereva.o.v@muctr.ru
This article examines the pressing problem of developing objective methods for selecting the optimal technology for producing metal nanoparticle powders. A qualimetric approach is tested for a comparative analysis of metal powder production technologies (including those from steels and iron-based alloys) used in additive manufacturing. The article examines metal powder production methods that differ in their operating principle and implementation technology: plasma spraying, vacuum induction gas spraying, electrode induction gas spraying, centrifugal spraying, and water spraying. For a comprehensive evaluation of these technologies, the use of integrated indicators that allow for the consideration of multiple quality parameters is proposed. Based on an expert survey of employees at a specialized enterprise, using a pairwise analysis of individual quality indicators, weighting factors were determined for five key technical and economic indicators: particle size distribution, versatility (including the ability to process various steel grades), power consumption, productivity, and raw material type. The final quality assessment was calculated using five different formulas for solving problems with multiple quality indicators specific to a single object. The study results showed that, given the specified expert priorities (with the highest weight assigned to productivity), plasma spraying is the most feasible technology. This result, despite the subjectivity of determining the weighting factors, is an effective tool for substantiating engineering decisions and can be recommended for quality management and improvement forecasting in powder metallurgy, including the production of ferrous metal powders.
1. Sames W. J., List F. A., Pannala S. et al. The metallurgy and processing science of metal additive manufacturing. International Materials Reviews. 2016. Vol. 61. pp. 315–360. DOI: 10.1080/09506608.2015.1116649
2. Zhang S, Guo K, Qing Y, Liu C. Research Progress on the Preparation Technology of Spherical Alloy Powders for Laser Additive Manufacturing. Materials (Basel). 2025. Vol. 18 (14). p. 3385. DOI: 10.3390/ma18143385
3. Ermakov S. B., Gyulikhandanov E. L. Production of powders for additive manufacturing machines via plasma atomization. Naukoemkie tekhnologii v mashinostroenii. 2021. No. 6 (120). pp. 29–41. DOI: 10.30987/2223-4608-2021-6-29-41
4. Ermakov S. B. Development of technology and equipment for plasma atomization of powders for additive manufacturing machines: thesis of inauguration of Dissertation … of Candidate of Engineering Sciences. Saint Petersburg: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 2024. p. 21.
5. Voynov P. S., Belenkiy V. Ya., Belinin D. S., Varushkin S. V. Potential applications of additive technologies in the design and production of armament, military equipment, and specialized hardware. Vestnik Permskogo natsionalnogo issledovatelskogo politekhnicheskogo universiteta. Mashinostroenie, materialovedenie. 2021. Vol. 23. No. 2. pp. 70–78. DOI: 10.15593/2224-
9877/2021.2.09
6. Azgaldov G. G., Raykhman E. P. On qualimetrics. Moscow: Izdatelstvo standartov, 1973. 172 p.
7. Klimov V. S., Karyagin D. A., Erokhin P. A. Mastering of production technology for granules of the heat-resistant nickel-based alloy EP648 and their application in additive manufacturing. Tekhnologiya legkikh splavov. 2022. No. 3. pp. 49–55. DOI: 10.24412/0321-46642022--3-49-55
8. Zenina M. V. Production of metal powders (granules) for the supply of raw materials for additive manufacturing technologies in mechanical engineering. Tekhnologiya legkikh splavov. 2015. No. 3. pp. 32–38.
9. Gao Z., Zhang F., Li H. et al. Process and Properties of Al-Mg-Er-Zr-Sc High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Powder Prepared by Vacuum Induction Melting Gas Atomization. Materials (Basel). 2025. No.18 (8). p. 1763. DOI: 10.3390/ma18081763
10. Vostrikov A. V., Sukhov D. I. Production of granules via the PREP method for additive manufacturing: Current status and development prospects. Trudy VIAM. 2016. No. 8 (44). pp. 15–21. DOI: 10.18577/2307-6046-2016-0-8-3-3