518: Powder Removal in Microgravity Environments

Our goal was to develop an effective way to clean parts in low gravity. Selective laser melting is a 3D printing method that uses a laser to melt metal powder. Powder placement and heating occurs layer by layer until the part finishes. This leaves extra metal powder on the finished part. Cleaning the surface with a traditional method works but removing powder from inside the part is difficult. Powder becomes stuck inside the part and can prevent intended use.

Holes in a design can hold the powder causing issues such as added weight and blockages. The powder can stop parts from working correctly and damage can occur when a part is used with powder inside. Metal powder is also an extreme health and explosion hazard, so it requires containment to prevent injury or harm. The powder has the capability to float in low gravity, increasing these risks. Cleaning methods such as sandblasting and brushes clean the part well but use gravity to work. We developed an ultrasonic cleaning bath for use in low gravity. We chose ultrasonic bath for its cleaning and automation possibilities. We also designed a method to measure parts cleanliness. This project is unique because it uses a pump to fill the cleaning chamber, first with cleaning fluid and then air pumps in to remove the water, drying the part. This method allows the design to work in low gravity. Our design cleans parts without user intervention,  providing industries with automatic cleaning and the ability to clean in low gravity.