CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGNING FOR P/M PARTS

Product designers are turning to powder metallurgy at a rate that has caused iron-powder consumption to multiply more than fivefold in only eight years. This process consumes proportionately less money in equipment, requires less manpower, saves material. Peculiar alloy combinations and structures, with unusual characteristics and properties or shapes that could not be fabricated in one operation, are now possible. However, like all production methods, powder metallurgy imposes limits on part size, shape characteristics, and properties. It also requires precise control at every step in the process.