How Does Powder Metallurgy Reduce the Need for Machining

For a plain-speaking answer to this question, standard Powder Metallurgy production sequences do indeed create dimensionally accurate items. An end-process part is so precisely manufactured, so close to being surface-finished, that it simply doesn’t require much additional machining. Of course, a straight-to-the-point answer might create more questions than it resolves. Ever mindful of this prospect, […]

The Economic Advantages of Powder Metallurgy

Here’s a fact that’ll get the attention of manufacturers. Simply by adopting a Powder Metallurgy operation, great economic savings become feasible. Remember, there’s less machining to be done after a PM produced component has been manufactured, so the finance department can zero out machine shop costs. It’s the same with finishing, with this phase of […]

Factors that Affect the Sinterability of Metal Powders

No matter how well a line of sintering equipment is configured, how high-performing the equipment has proven to be in the past, particle coalescing challenges can occur. Perhaps randomly, without any obvious source of concern, the Green Compact doesn’t fully fuse into one single workpiece. To fix this process-impeding state of affairs, a veteran trouble-shooter […]

Powder Metallurgy: A Green and Sustainable Technology

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 […]

How Do Particle Size and Size Distribution Influence the Compaction Process in Powder Metallurgy?

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 […]

Hot Pressing vs. Cold Pressing of Metal Powders: What’s the Difference?

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 […]

Understanding Atomization Method in Powder Metallurgy

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? […]