Inductively coupled plasma) pheroidization is currently considered the most effective technology for producing high quality powder. However, there is still no clear understanding of the process. This review examines the process in detail. We identified the main reasons for the low spheroidization ratio and agglomeration. The spheroidization ratio is decreased due to high frequency argon flow oscillations near the nozzle. These flows are capable of blowing some of the powders to the walls, where the flame cannot heat and spheroidize them. Agglomeration is caused by insufficient surface melting of large powder particles. In this case, fine powders do not receive enough energy during their merging to be melted and distributed evenly on the surface.

Keywords: spheroidization, powder preparation, additive technologies, spheroidization by inductively coupled plasma, durability