20/10/2003 Pressing & Sintering

Press Capacity Improvements Utilizing Starmix Powder

EURO PM2003, in Valencia, Spain. Authors: Daniel Edman, Hilmar Vidarsson, Björn Johansson.  The geometrical complexity of many new PM applications in combination with higher capacity of presses for powder compaction requires metal powder mixes with even and faster die filling characteristics. This demand has led to development of the Starmix™ concept. In Starmix™ additives such as alloying elements, lubricants and machinability enhancing compounds are bonded to avoid segregation, dusting and to improve powder properties. Development work has made it possible to improve the powder flow more than 25%.  This paper presents the gain in productivity due to enhanced flow rate behaviour of Starmix™ in full-scale production tests.