Part Manufacturing
Pressing
Various processes are used. Conventional compaction is made at ambient temperatures, 200-800 MPa pressure, with a stroke rate of a few to approximately 25 strokes per minute. Higher compaction rates require special equipment and powders. Part performance can be improved by e.g. warm die or warm compaction. Press tool configuration, powder feeding, die design, lubrication, stroke rate, powder material are all crucial for optimum performance.
Sintering
Depending on desired properties and material, processes can be chosen from batch to continuous furnaces; in protective atmospheres, reducing or vacuum. Sintering temperatures are typically 1120 °C, but also up to around 1300 °C. The sintering furnace can be equipped with a forced cooling zone to achieve a hardening directly in the sintering furnace.
Post-sintering operations
After sintering the parts can be further processed; machined, surface treated, heat treated, painted etc. depending on end-customer demands.