5 Basic Steps of Powder Metallurgy Process

 


Powder metallurgy is the method of manufacturing metallic components and materials from powders instead of the classical ingot metallurgy route. Powder metallurgy auto parts are highly in demand in the market.

Powder metallurgy is used for the manufacturing of a number of products such as the following:

  1. Oil pump gears for autos.
  2. Cutting implements, wire drawing dies, and deep drawing dies.
  3. Refractory metal composites, e.g., tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum for manufacturing the tungsten wires for strands in the lamp industry.
  4. Porous product and Babbitt bearing for vehicles.
  5. Diamond impregnated implements are produced by a blend of iron powder and diamond dust.
  6. Electrical contract material, e.g.: relays and resistance welding electrodes and circuit breakers.
  7. Components of different vehicles, e.g., aircraft, gas turbine, cars, electric clocks, etc.
  8. 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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