05.10.2005 Pressing & Sintering

Machining of Bainitic and Martensitic Chromium Pre-Alloyed PM Steel

P/M is a net or near net shape process. Machining operations are used for many applications in order to reach final tolerances or shapes not possible to achieve in the compaction step. Chromium pre-alloyed high strength PM steels in sinter-hardening condition or in heat treat conditions have increased in recent time. Guidelines for insert choice and effect from additives are needed to improve the performance in the machining operation for these application areas. This paper describes the influence of material structure and selection of machining tool for bainitic and martensitic chromium pre-alloyed PM steels. Guidelines for cost effective machining of banitic and martensitic chromium pre-alloyed PM steels are presented.