A Brief Comparison between Sintered and Forged Components

December 15, 2022

Industries utilise different manufacturing processes to ensure that they can obtain their needed components. Some even experiment with the available processes to know which one can benefit them the most in terms of quality, cost-effectiveness, and many more factors.

One of the processes that industries maximise is forging. Forging is a manufacturing process that shapes metal using localised compressive blows or forces. Another process that industries utilise is powder metallurgy. This metal-forming process is done by heating compacted metal powders below their melting temperatures.

These two unique manufacturing processes are constantly utilised by different industries. Knowing them further, however, may help some businesses in various industries choose the best one for their specific applications.

The Advantages of Sintered Components

As mentioned earlier, powder metallurgy is a process of heating compacted metal powders below their melting temperatures. The metal powders are comprised of not only solid powders, but also binders, lubricants, and other elements that can enhance their general properties once they have been exposed to high temperatures. The compaction of metal powders before the heating process helps in reducing voids and increasing their density.

The heating process, known as sintering, is done to produce the final products. The atmosphere during this process is controlled to avoid ruining the properties of the workpieces. All loose particles are bonded during sintering. It also closes porous spaces.

Once powder metallurgy is done, the sintered components are expected to boast improved tensile strength, bending fatigue strength, and impact energy. Their electrical and magnetic properties, density, toughness, damping, and hardness are likewise finetuned with the application of powder metallurgy. Industries can then generate tons of parts and products without affecting their quality through powder metallurgy.

The Advantages of Forged Components

Forging is also a manufacturing process that industries seem to maximise a lot. It involves shaping metal workpieces by hammering, rolling, or pressing onto them. The compressive forces of these actions are carried out by a die or a hammer and can be carried out at varying temperatures. Cold, warm, and hot forging are some types of forging based on temperatures.

Many materials can undergo forging. Some of them include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. Aluminium, brass, and copper can also undergo forging, even though they are soft metals. A lot of other processes are done alongside forging. These processes include annealing, shaping, hardening, and tempering.

Forged components can bring tons of advantages to industries. For one, they can boast different shapes, dimensions, and other characteristics. They are also strong, making these products recommended for applications that can be dangerous or inconvenient. Forged components can even come in large sizes. Ultimately, the grain flow of the forged components matches their shapes.

Choosing Between Sintered and Forged

Both powder metallurgy and forging can be useful in various applications. However, you may opt for powder metallurgy if you want products with great strength, impact energy, compact form factor and other properties. You can also opt for powder metallurgy if you want a process that is sustainable in the long run as metal powders may come from scrap materials.

Forging must then be picked if you want to generate large parts. It can also generate parts with great durability, formability, and versatility.

For sintered products needs, you can contact us at PM Distributors.

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