Let’s flip the page on the P/M process. On that would-be cover page, powder metallurgy produces parts that are porous and self-lubricating. Turning the page in this make-believe informational brochure, the technology shows off a whole other benefit. It’s right there, in quasi-real black and white, that this powder pressing and heating method demonstrates a […]
Above and around the powdered metal, the sintering atmosphere is also being regulated. Now, if someone were to ask, “What gas is used to control the different sintering vectors,” the answer wouldn’t be short. You see, the equipment used to sinter metals is composed of several discrete stages. So, for every equipment zone, there’s a […]
Scientific precision shapes Powder metallurgy processing. While a post about compaction basics could get away with describing the process in a few simple lines of text, these rudimentary descriptions would fail to capture the complexities that arise as a powder pressing operation proceeds. Right now, with a precision-based approach foremost, we’re going to delve deep […]
Back at the compaction chamber, two alternative pressing systems are available. In the hot pressing method, elevated temperatures are used. It’s a dual-process operation, with the powdered metal compacting, then it sinters. Almost solid, just slightly porous, the combined processing approach yields tool quality results. Alternatively, cold pressing is done without heat. That latter phase […]
This phase of the powder metallurgy process hasn’t received adequate attention. Here’s an opportunity to remedy that oversight. Actually, that’s not quite true, past articles have described the electric arc phase, but that’s hardly the only option. Grabbing this chance with both hands, let’s delve deeper into the powder dispersing options. What Is Powder Atomization? […]