Ultrasonic atomization of magnesium alloy AZ61 based on the TIG melting method

In the present study, ultrasonic atomization based on the TIG melting method was used to atomize magnesium alloy AZ61. Magnesium alloys have the potential for medical applications due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties close to human bone. First, the process parameters for atomization of magnesium alloy AZ61 were determined, and atomized powder particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. The atomized powder was used for the production of a basic experiment of a single track by laser powder bed fusion technology. The atomized powder particles had a fine round shape and led to the production of continuous single tracks. However, the efficiency of the atomization process was low around 0.22 g/hour which was mainly caused by the oxidation of magnesium alloy.