Powder Metallurgy

These flashcards cover key concepts and processes related to powder metallurgy, providing a concise review of the subject matter.

What is powder metallurgy (PM)?

Powder metallurgy is a manufacturing process where parts are produced from metallic powders, which are compressed into shape and heated to cause bonding.

What is the purpose of sintering in powder metallurgy?

Sintering is a heat treatment operation that bonds metallic particles in a green compact to increase its strength and hardness.

What are some advantages of powder metallurgy?

PM produces net shape products with little waste, can create parts with specific porosity, and allows for difficult metal fabrications.

What are the disadvantages of powder metallurgy?

High tooling costs, expensive metallic powders, difficulty in handling the powders, and limitations on part geometry.

What is atomization in the context of powder production?

Atomization is the process of converting molten metal into a spray of droplets that solidify into powders.

What are common methods of atomization?

The common methods include gas atomization, water atomization, and centrifugal atomization.

What is blending in powder metallurgy?

Blending is the process of combining powders of the same chemical composition but different particle sizes.

What is compaction in the powder metallurgy process?

Compaction is the application of high pressure to powders to form them into the desired shape, resulting in a green compact.

How does one control particle size during powder production?

Particle size is controlled during the screening process by passing particles through screens of different mesh sizes.

What is the role of lubricants in powder metallurgy?

Lubricants, like stearates, reduce friction between powder particles and the die wall during compaction.