What is Powder Metallurgy?

Powder Metallurgy is a continually and rapidly evolving technology embracing most metallic and alloy materials, and a wide variety of shapes. PM is a highly developed method of manufacturing reliable ferrous and non ferrous parts. The European Market alone has an annual turnover of over Six Billion Euros , with annual worldwide metal powder production exceeding one million tonnes.

Created by mixing elemental or alloy powders and compacting the mixture in a die, the resultant shapes are then heated or "sintered" in a controlled atmosphere furnace to bond the particles metallurgically. The high precision forming capability of PM generates components with near net shape, intricate features and good dimensional precision pieces are often finished without the need of machining.

By producing parts with a homogeneous structure the PM process enables manufacturers to make products that are more consistent and predictable in their behaviour across a wide range of applications. In addition the PM Process has a high degree of flexibility allowing the tailoring of the physical characteristics of a product to suit your specific property and performance requirements. These include:

* Structural pieces with complex shapes

* Controlled Porosity

* Controlled performance

* Good performance in stress and absorbing of vibrations

* Special properties such as hardness and wear resistance

* Great precision and good surface finish

* Large series of pieces with narrow tolerances

The unique flexibility of the PM process enables products to be made from materials that are tailored to your specific needs. By using specially selected materials this capability enables refinements to be engineered into the mechanical properties of the part.

source: European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA)