Powder Granulation and Compaction

Dry pressing is the preferred technology for high-volume manufacturing of powder compacts with a relatively simple geometry. Industrial processing is usually performed by uniaxial pressing or isostatic pressing. Most important steps are powder granulation, die filling, compaction, and ejection of green compacts. Powder granulation (either by spray-drying or spray granulation) and physical/rheological properties of powders are illustrated. Compaction mechanisms are described and related to powder characteristics. The influence of processing conditions and granule properties on powder compaction and defects of green compacts is shortly discussed. Computational approach to numerical modeling of powder behavior during die filling, rearrangement and compaction is outlined.