Powder Metallurgy

Posted in The World Of Metal on 19th April 2011

Powder Metallurgy is the practice of producing metals in fine powder form, then shaping into solids using heat and pressure. Metal Powders worked in this way have a variety of uses, and are practical when working with High Melting Point Alloys and economical when making small or complex parts, for example gears for small machines, where casting processes would involve considerable scrap loss.

Other processes which utilise metal powders are sintering and infiltration. Sintering involves placing a metal powder into a mould until it is compacted. Once it is compacted, the powder is heated until the particles bond together so that, when cooled, a solid piece has formed.

Infiltration is the process of filling the pores of a sintered or green powder metal compact with a metal or alloy of a lower melting point than the compact base metal. The infiltration process normally increases part density, strength, toughness, hardness and thermal and electrical conductivity. Infiltrated parts can be readily brazed or plated. They also have improved machinability and are pressure tight. Assembly of green parts prior to infiltration can accomplish infiltration and brazing in a single operation for some multiple component assemblies.

Powder metallurgy is used to produce surgical instruments, extremely hard cutting tools, permanent magnets, electrical contacts, and grinding and polishing wheels, as well as in the automotive industry (i.e. for brake pads, gear parts, connecting rods, planetary carriers, engine bearings) and in aerospace manufacturing to produce lightweight aluminium base-structural materials and high temperature composite materials.

For example:

Stainless steels & tool steels
Non-ferrous metals e.g. copper, cobalt, nickel and tin.
Electrolytic copper & iron powders
Copper-based infiltrant powders
Magnetic powders
Lubricant, friction-lowering, and release powders

William Rowland Ltd are metal powder suppliers, and if you would like to find out how we can meet your requirements, please contact us using the Quick Enquiry Form on the right-hand side of this website.

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