The Role of Powder Metallurgy in Modern Manufacturing

Powder metallurgy parts constitute one of the basic forms in which metals are fabricated. The origins of the process as a modern manufacturing technology are discussed. The materials used, parameters of the process, design features, principal areas of application and economic considerations are detailed. Recent developments extending the features of the process beyond cost savings alone are described. Special emphasis is directed to P/M wrought materials such as P/M forging, the energy effectiveness of the P/M process as well as the industry's current production capacity. 2 refs.