Powder metallurgy is the method of
manufacturing metallic components and materials from powders instead of the
classical ingot metallurgy route.
Powder metallurgy is used for the
manufacturing of a number of products such as the following:
- Oil
pump gears for autos.
- Cutting
implements, wire drawing dies, and deep drawing dies.
- Refractory
metal composites, e.g., tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum for manufacturing the tungsten wires for strands in the lamp industry.
- Porous
product and Babbitt bearing for vehicles.
- Diamond
impregnated implements are produced by a blend of iron powder and diamond dust.
- Electrical
contract material, e.g.: relays and resistance welding electrodes and circuit breakers.
- Components
of different vehicles, e.g., aircraft, gas turbine, cars, electric clocks,
etc.
- Parts
of refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, guns, and sewing machines.
There are four key steps involved in
the powder metallurgy process.
Powder Preparation
The first step involves the preparation
of powder. To produce any item, the material taken is converted into powder.
This conversion occurs through many procedures, like a chemical reaction,
grinding, atomization, electrolysis process, etc.
Mixing and Blending
The next step involves the mixing and
blending of two or more powders to create a high-strength alloy depending upon
the product requirement. Lubricants were also added in the mixing step to
improve the flow characteristic of powder. It allows even distribution ensures
of powder with additives, binders, etc.
Compacting
The third step involves the
compressing of the prepared powder mixture. In this step, the mixture is
compressed into pre-defined dies. The compressions reduce voids and increase
the product’s density. Compression produces a green compact.
Sintering
Sintering involves the heating of the
green compact. This renders strength to it and gives it a look of a resultant
product.
Secondary Operation
If, after sintering, the product does
not appear as a final object, then the second operation is executed, which
can be sizing, coining, infiltration, etc.
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