Powder metallurgy is a manufacturing process in which metal powder is compressed into a solid part using high force. During compression, the powder particles are mechanically adhered to one another. The compressed part is durable enough to be transferred to the next phase, sintering.
During sintering, the part is heated in a protective gas environment, and the part melts into a solid piece. After sintering the part is either ready to have finishing surface treatment, or some further machining if necessary. The process minimizes material waste and production time compared to traditional methods. The method enables cost-effective production for even millions of parts per year.
Powder metallurgy is present in mass production since the second half of 19th century and most often used in automotive, medical, and agricultural industries for high fatigue and impact resistance and possibility to mix different metals to obtain unique properties. As we are now more than ever aware of the importance of our environmental imprint, it is also crucial for enterprises to seek out most sustainable solutions to meet the goal of social responsibility.
What distinguishes PM from all competing processes?
– near- or exact net shape received in a single operation
– possibility to use all kinds of metals and their mixes
– the most eco-friendly method with the lowest scrap rate and energy usage