Category: Mechanical Working Of Metals, Sheet Metal Work, And Powder Metallurgy

Powder metallurgy techniques are applied in manufacturing of a different kind of products. Some of them are mentioned as follows:

These are secondary operations intended to provide dimensional tolerances and better surface finish. They are sizing, coining, machining, impregnation, infiltration, heat treatment, and plating. Sizing: It is repressing the sintered component in the die to achieve the required size with accuracy. Coining: It is repressing the sintered components in the die to increase density and to give… Continue reading FINISHING OPERATIONS

Sintering involves heating of the green compact at high temperatures in a controlled atmosphere to protect from oxidation of metal powders. Sintering increases the bond strength between the particles. Sintering temperature is usually 0.6–0.8 times the melting point of the powder. In case of mixed powders of different melting temperatures, the sintering temperature will usually… Continue reading SINTERING

The main purpose of compacting is converting loose powder into a green compact of accurate shape and size. The techniques adopted for compacting are pressing, centrifugal compacting, extrusion, gravity sintering, and rolling. Pressing: The metal powders are placed in a die cavity and compressed to form a component shaped to the contour of the die (Figure… Continue reading COMPACTING

Blending and mixing of the powders are essential for uniformity of the product. Lubricants (such as graphite) are added to the blending of powders before mixing. The function of lubricant is to minimize the wear and to reduce friction. Different powders in correct proportions are thoroughly mixed either wet or in a ball mill to… Continue reading BLENDING/MIXING OF POWDERS

There are various methods available for the production of powders. Some of the important processes are as follows: atomization, machining, crushing and milling, reduction, electrolytic deposition, shotting, and condensation. Atomization: In this method, molten metal is forced through a small orifice and is broken into small particles by a powerful jet of compressed air, inert gas,… Continue reading Methods of Production

The performance of metal powders during processing and the properties of powder metallurgy depend on the characteristics of the metal powders that are used. Following are the important characteristics of metal powders: particle shape, particle size, particle size distribution, flow rate, compressibility, apparent density, and purity.