Sintering

In the sintering phase of the powder metallurgy manufacturing process, the component and the final powder metal material are formed in a single step. In sintering, the "green compact" parts move into the sintering furnace on a mesh conveyor belt. MPP uses controlled atmosphere furnaces capable of reaching temperatures up to 2,600 degrees F. The parts are heated to below the melting point of the base metal, held at the sintering temperature, and then cooled. Sintering transforms the compacted mechanical bonds between the powder particles into metallurgical bonds. It is the sintering step that provides the powder metal part's primary metallurgical properties.

There are usually three zones in a typical sintering furnace: preheat, high heat, and cooling. The preheat zone removes lubricants and other organic components of the powder mix and raises the temperature of the compact. Sintering is accomplished in the high heat zone. In the cooling zone, the components are cooled in a protective atmosphere below the oxidizing range. For most ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, typical sintering temperature ranges are from 1450° F to 2100° F. For stainless and tool steels MPP also has considerable expertise with high temperature sintering, at temperatures up to 2600° F. With the proper cooling temperature controls, parts can be hardened during the cooling phase and eliminate a separate heat treating step.

Sintering is just one of the subjects that are covered in MPP's highly acclaimed  Powder Metallurgy Design Seminars. For more information on how you can attend a free Design Seminar, click here.

© 2005 Metal Powder Products. All Rights Reserved.