Particle-based simulations of powder coating in additive manufacturing suggest increase in powder bed roughness with coating speed

We have developed the first particle-based numerical tool to simulate the coating of powder particles in additive manufacturing devices. Our Discrete Element Method considers realistic particle shapes and incorporates attractive interaction (van-der-Waals) forces between the particles. From simulations of powder coating using a roller as coating device, we find that the surface roughness of the powder bed scales with the square of coating speed. Moreover, we find that using fine, highly polydisperse powders may lead to larger powder bed roughness, compared to process simulations using coarser powders, due to the formation of agglomerates resulting from cohesive forces