Q&A

What is sinter hardening?

What is sinter hardening?

Sinter hardening refers to a process in which the cooling rate in the cooling zone of the sintering furnace is fast enough to transform a significant portion of the powder metal steel matrix into martensite.

What are the three steps in the sintering cycle in powder metallurgy?

What are the three steps in the sintering cycle in PM? The three steps in the cycle are (1) preheat, in which lubricants and binders are burned off, (2) sintering, and (3) cool down.

What are PM parts?

Powder metallurgy (PM) components can be made by pressing and sintering metal powders. These parts may be used as bearings or in structural applications. The powder metallurgy process is used for economic advantage and for unique properties.

Why are protective atmospheres necessary in sintering?

Sintering atmospheres perform two major functions. First, they provide a protective atmosphere that keeps detrimental oxygen away from the parts (oxidation). Second, the atmosphere supplies the chemically reducing force to remove metal oxides already present on the powder.

Why do we sinter?

Sintering is a heat treatment commonly used to increase the strength and structural integrity of a given material. Powder metallurgy processes use sintering to convert metal powders and other unique materials into end-use parts.

How do you make sinter?

Sintering is a thermal process (carried out at 1300 deg C to 1400 deg C) by which a mixture of iron ore, return fines, recycled products of the steel plant industry (such as mill scale, blast furnace dusts, etc.), slag forming elements, fluxes and coke fines are agglomerated in a sinter plant with the purpose of …

Why do we Sinter?

What are the main stages of powder metallurgy process?

Powder metallurgy is a fabrication technique that involves three major processing stages: (i) production of metal powder, (ii) compaction and shaping of the powder, and (iii) consolidation and fusing of the powder into a solid metal component under high temperature and pressure.

What parts are made by powder metallurgy?

Powder Metallurgy parts also find application in a range of other automotive systems:

  • Oil pumps – particularly gears.
  • Shock absorbers – piston rod guides, piston valves, end valves.
  • Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) – sensor rings.
  • Exhaust systems – flanges, oxygen sensor bosses.
  • Chassis components.