Common Metals Used in Powder Metallurgy and the Products They Can Make

January 10, 2023

Different industries utilise many materials and processes to obtain their needed components and products. One of the things they consider in choosing these elements is their longevity. The overall appeal of the finished components and products is also considered when choosing the materials and processes for their production.

One process that many industries now maximise is powder metallurgy. Powder metallurgy is a manufacturing process wherein powder metals and alloys are pressed very securely into a rigid die. Afterwards, the die alongside the pressed powder metals is subjected to heat, ensuring that the powder particles can bond solidly.

Many metals can be used in powder metallurgy. Some of these metals are as follows.

Stainless Steel

One prominent powder metal today is stainless steel. Stainless steel is known for its corrosion and rust resistance, allowing products to last for a long time. The series of this material often used in powder metallurgy come from 300 and 400. The stainless steel 316L has the perfect balance of corrosion resistance, acid resistance, ductility, and toughness. These qualities make the material excellent for aerospace, automotive, medical, and ship components.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a soft and light metal that can also be used in powder metallurgy. Even though it is often combined with other materials, products with aluminium can be generated optimally as it can be easy to shape. Sintered aluminium products are also lightweight, which makes them perfect for the aerospace and automobile industries.

Titanium

When it comes to overall value, titanium is known to be the most expensive material that can be processed by powder metallurgy. This silvery material’s value is highly justified by its outstanding corrosion resistance and strength. Once turned into powder, the colour of titanium turns grey or black. Despite this change, it can remain durable and resistant to elements. The qualities of titanium make it a perfect material for processing aircraft and missile components. It can also be used for chemical processing.

Copper

Copper powder and its alloys can be utilised in applications that deal with a lot of moisture since they can withstand corrosion and rust. One copper alloy is bronze, which is often maximised in producing and generating self-lubricating bearings.

Nickel

Nickel is a silvery white metal best known for its ductility, durability, and malleability. It also has good electric and heat conductivity, allowing it to dissolve in dilute acids slowly. All these properties of nickel make it a great material for processing gas turbine and rocket engine components. Monel, which is an alloy of copper and nickel, can then withstand saltwater, making it the best material for marine vessel components.

Iron

Iron has a high melting point of 1,837 degrees Celsius. Hence, it is often sintered at 1,121 degrees Celsius to generate quality sintered components and products. The iron powder, however, is often mixed with carbon to generate steel as the former can be soft. Iron is often considered one of the most common metals in powder metallurgy as it can often be seen in many automobile parts like rotors, shafts, and rocker’s arms.

If you need sintered components and products for your industry or business, do not hesitate to contact us at PM Distributors so we can provide you with all your needs.

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