The Benefits and Drawbacks of Aluminium Powder

July 14, 2022

The number of businesses that embrace sintered parts and components has significantly increased over the past few decades. Sintered parts and components, after all, are processed without wasting too many materials. They are likewise recyclable and sustainable.

Multiple power metallurgy steps are involved in creating sintered parts and components. One of the steps is compaction, which is done by pressing the powder materials in the die to interlock them. The pressing process ensures that the materials will not crumble. Sintering, which puts the pressed powder materials through a furnace, is subsequently carried out. This furnace heats the materials below their melting point to bond their particles together.

Different types of powder can be used in creating sintered parts and components. One specific material that is often used by industries in producing these parts is aluminium. To know more about aluminium powder, here are some of its benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Aluminium Powder

One of the benefits of aluminium powder is it is resistant to elements. Many sintered parts and components are utilised in places where damaging elements can be found. Some of these elements are heat, moisture, impact, and pressure. Without using the right powder material, they will only get damaged in a short time. Aluminium powder, fortunately, has excellent resistance to impact and pressure. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, corrosion, and ultraviolet rays.

Another benefit of aluminium powder is it is lightweight. Once this powder has been compacted and sintered, it can generate parts and components that are not heavy. These things can then be useful for applications that want to conserve energy and may be sensitive to weight.

Aluminium powder is also hygienic. With the right processing, sintered parts and components made of aluminium powder can be used for food-grade applications.

And speaking of processing, this type of powder can be versatile. By alloying and heat treatment, aluminium powder components are expected to get stronger and more durable. They can also handle various finishing processes, enhancing not only their strength but also their appearance.

Drawbacks of Aluminium Powder

As for its drawbacks, aluminium powder can be delicate, especially during its processing. Despite leaving it at room temperature, the aluminium powder can already react quickly with oxygen. Without safety measures, the said powder will only cause dangers to the production site.

Once it reacts to oxygen, the aluminium powder can combust and cause a fire. It can also cause a dust explosion, especially when it mixes with the air. Its interaction with water, acids, or alkalis can then produce highly flammable hydrogen.

Aluminium powder can also react with oxidants, which can cause fire or explosion. An aluminium dust cloud may also be present once it is charged electrostatically.

So, while the aluminium powder is not yet being processed, manufacturers need to store it properly. One thing that must be done when storing this powder is to keep it dry and cool. It must also be stored in conductive, earthed packaging. It must likewise be separated from sensitive fluids and substances.

To know more about aluminium powder, just call us at PM Distributors.

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