Fine spherical metal powders are the main raw materials for metal additive manufacturing (3D printing). Gas atomization technology is an important method to produce fine spherical metal powders. From the perspectives of increasing fine powder yield

improving powder quality and developing new powder materials

the research status and development trend of gas atomization technology for preparation of feedstock powder used in metal additive manufacturing were analyzed. Those methods used for increasing fine powder yield during gas atomization were summarized

which were developed based on optimizing atomizer design

enhancing atomizing medium properties or improving melt characteristics. The formation mechanism of hollow particles during gas atomization was analyzed

and the control methods of hollow particles were proposed. The formation mechanism of satellite particles during gas atomization was analyzed

and the control methods of satellite particles were proposed. Metal-matrix-composite (MMC) particles were proposed for additive manufacturing of composite parts. The research progress on metal atomization methods coupled with particle co-injection for the preparation of MMC particles was briefly introduced.