Whether you are an aerospace, automotive, or any other manufacturing company, knowing about the qualities of a metal part is crucial to comprehending its behavior in different situations and using it successfully. So, it includes learning about its strength, malleability, flexibility, toughness, melting point, thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, solubility, recyclability, castability, and more. It is also analyzed based on biocompatibility, environmental adaptability, and magnetic characteristics. Interestingly, the same metal compositions can differ due to different manufacturing or processing methods, such as casting, forging, and PM.
PM refers to Powder Metallurgy, which uses heat and pressure to make metal parts from powder. It follows multiple steps to achieve the desired results, including producing metal powder, mixing and binding, compacting, and sintering to combine the treated particles. Why should you rely on metal parts produced through this methodology? Let’s delve into both the advantages and challenges of it for a fair idea.
PM is an eco-friendly solution for mass-producing parts with original raw materials without much wastage. The remaining unused powder can be processed in the next cycle to reduce waste. Since metal parts are fused into a suitable size in the compaction stage, you get just a little scrap metal to eliminate. Studies show that metal loss caused by the PM process is only about 1-5% compared to up to 80% from other methods. Hence, you can expect it to be more economical.
What’s more, PM’s precision is unparalleled. It can alter metal properties using specific powder, particle size, binder quantity, and sintering conditions, emerging as the most reliable manufacturing process. You can depend on this method to give precise and accurate metal parts in the preferred shape or form. Sometimes, the products look so fine-tuned after sintering that you can avoid the finishing stage. Nowadays, automation expedites the process. Consequently, you can get your supply faster without worrying about the consistency of the density.
PM is an efficient manufacturing process that helps create suitable sizes of simple parts. However, the fluidity of metal powder prevents it from building large and complex structures. Another challenge is maintaining cost-efficiency with small batches. This process is more suitable for industrial production. Otherwise, profit will be hit. Also, the equipment used in this manufacturing process is often expensive. You require sintering furnaces, presses, powder mixers, and more. Add labor, material, and tool costs, too.
How do you source powder metallurgy parts for your car manufacturing or some other unit without affecting your budget or getting into the hassle of production? Visit Powder Metallurgy Company online. A trusted niche company can build original designs or designs customers provide. It can be worth exploring an opportunity with them, whether you are in China or elsewhere. These companies may use different PM techniques, such as conventional PM process, powder forging, powder rolling, spray forming, hot pressing, etc. Each method takes a specific approach to create a desired metal product or component. You can talk to them to understand their offerings and how they design and produce them for clarity.
