High-quality spherical refractory metal powder is the key raw material for the production of high-performance refractory metal components through advanced powder metallurgy manufacturing and processing technologies

such as hot isostatic pressing

thermal spraying

injection molding and 3D printing. At present

the preparation technologies of the spherical refractory metal powder mainly include physical chemistry method

plasma spheroidization method

plasma atomization method and plasma rotating electrode process. In this paper

the principles of these four types of powder producing methods and the physicochemical properties of refractory metal powders are reviewed

and the technical characteristics and advantages of these four types of powder producing methods are remarked

the future development strategies of the refractory powder producing technology are also pointed out.