1. Context

Among metal powder manufacturing technologies, the rotating electrode method produces high-quality, regular-shaped powders without satellites. This method is based on melting the end of a bar and forming droplets by centrifugal force as the bar rotates. This technique can be used for most metals, especially those with high melting points such as titanium, molybdenum and cobalt alloys. The powder obtained is used by leading-edge technologies (spraying, laser cladding, additive manufacturing, hot isostatic pressing), mainly in the aeronautical and medical fields.

The PREP ^® technology will be presented in this article, with details of the different types of equipment. Factors influencing powder size are presented, and possible contaminations are discussed in detail, given their great importance for powder applications....