A method of producing a metallic powder material comprises supplying feed materials to a melting hearth, and melting the feed materials on the melting hearth with a first heat source to provide a molten material having a desired chemical composition. At least a portion of the molten material is passed from the melting hearth either directly or indirectly to an atomizing hearth, where it is heated using a second heat source. At least a portion of the molten material from the atomizing hearth is passed in a molten state to an atomizing apparatus, which forms a droplet spray from the molten material. At least a portion of the droplet spray is solidified to provide a metallic powder material.

A method for producing material powder, comprising providing material and an atomization gas charged with an atomization gas pressure by means of an atomization gas compressor to an atomization device, melting the material and pulverizing the molten material into material powder by means of charging the molten material with the atomization gas using the atomization introducing the material powder from the atomization device into a pressurized container and providing a conveyor gas charged with a conveyer gas pressure by means of a conveyer gas compressor to the pressurized container, wherein the conveyor gas pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the atomization gas pressure, as well as a device for carrying out the method.

Method of producing a cold drawn wire from a particle metallurgy steel includes the following steps:-preparation of a bulk of molten metal including in weight %: C 0.03-0.15, Si 0.01-1.2, Mn 0.1-1.5, Cr 15-20, Ni 540, Al 0.5-1.5, optionally max 2 of elements chosen from the group of N, P, S, Cu, Co, W, Mo, Nb, Ti, Zr, Ta, B, Be, Bi, Se, Mg, Ca, Hf, V, and REM, and, using electro slag refining and atomising to provide a metal powder; filling and sealing a capsule with the metal powder; compacting the capsule to provide a full density billet; hot working the billet and finishing by wire rolling; cold drawing the annealed wire with at least 30% area reduction.

Method of producing a cold drawn wire from a particle metallurgy steel includes the following steps:-preparation of a bulk of molten metal including in weight %: C 0.03-0.15, Si 0.01-1.2, Mn 0.1-1.5, Cr 15-20, Ni 540, Al 0.5-1.5, optionally max 2 of elements chosen from the group of N, P, S, Cu, Co, W, Mo, Nb, Ti, Zr, Ta, B, Be, Bi, Se, Mg, Ca, Hf, V, and REM, and, using electro slag refining and atomising to provide a metal powder; filling and sealing a capsule with the metal powder; compacting the capsule to provide a full density billet; hot working the billet and finishing by wire rolling; cold drawing the annealed wire with at least 30% area reduction.

A method and apparatus for fabrication of objects retaining nano-scale characteristics. A composition is provided comprising grain growth inhibitor particles in solution with a binding agent in a molten phase. An electric field and a magnetic field are generated with a combined extraction electrode. The composition is electrosprayed from a nozzle with the electric field to form a stream of droplets. The electric field drives the droplets toward a moving stage holding an object comprising successive deposition layers. The magnetic field limits dispersion of the stream of droplets. The stage is moved laterally as the stream of droplets impacts the object to form a current deposition layer of the object. The stage is moved vertically as necessary to maintain a target stand-off distance between the nozzle and a previous deposition layer of the object, based on profile data of the previous deposition layer.

A method of producing a metallic powder material comprises supplying feed materials to a melting hearth, and melting the feed materials on the melting hearth with a first heat source to provide a molten material having a desired chemical composition. At least a portion of the molten material is passed from the melting hearth either directly or indirectly to an atomizing hearth, where it is heated using a second heat source. At least a portion of the molten material from the atomizing hearth is passed in a molten state to an atomizing apparatus, which forms a droplet spray from the molten material. At least a portion of the droplet spray is solidified to provide a metallic powder material.

A method for producing material powder, comprising providing material and an atomization gas charged with an atomization gas pressure by means of an atomization gas compressor to an atomization device, melting the material and pulverizing the molten material into material powder by means of charging the molten material with the atomization gas using the atomization device, introducing the material powder from the atomization device into a pressurized container and providing a conveyor gas charged with a conveyer gas pressure by means of a conveyer gas compressor to the pressurized container, wherein the conveyor gas pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the atomization gas pressure, as well as a device for carrying out the method.

An arc reactor and a process for the production of nanoparticles are disclosed. The reactor has a crucible in a gas-tight housing having a carrier gas inlet and a spaced-apart carrier gas outlet. The carrier gas inlet is directed to the side of the crucible opposite the crucible opening. The inlet can be disposed below the crucible and directed to the side of the crucible opposite the crucible opening. The carrier gas outlet is disposed above the crucible and exits the housing above the crucible. The carrier gas outlet is formed by a hood disposed at a distance above the crucible, which is separated from the crucible and formed by an exhaust pipe that connects the hood to the carrier gas outlet of the housing. The reactor housing has at least one inlet for cooling gas. This can be directed at an interstice formed between the crucible and the hood.