Sn60Pb40 solder powders produced by the planar flow casting atomization process

Conventional planar flow casting (PFC) is one of rapid solidification processes for the fabrication of microcrystalline or amorphous ribbons. Based on the conventional PFC process, the planar flow casting atomization (PFCA) process has been developed, which is a new rapid solidification process for the production of matal powder directly from alloy melts. A prototype experimental apparatus was designed and manufactured. With the apparatus, Sn60Pb40 alloy solder powders were prepared, and the effects of the main technological parameters on the powder size distribution and morphology were experimentally studied. The experimental investigations indicate that the metal powders produced by the PFCA process can be classified by velocity; and fine spherical tin-lead alloy solder powders can be fabricated by adjusting the technical parameters. The new PFCA process has such features as high productivity and efficiency, low energy consumption, simple operation, short technological process, and large gross yield.