2001/10/24 Pressing & Sintering

Properties and Microstructure of PM Materials Pre-Alloyed with Nickel, Molybdenum and Chromium

EURO PM2001, in Nice, France. Authors: Barbara Maroli, Sigurd Berg, Jeanette Lewenhagen. Sinter-hardening is a cost-effective process, as it combines sintering and hardening operation in one step. Utilisation of the sinter-hardening process in combination with tailor made alloying system gives a unique combination of strength, toughness and hardness. A variety of microstructures are obtained by changing the post-sintering cooling rate, type and amount of alloying elements. Carbon, molybdenum, copper, nickel and chromium prealloyed and/or admixed with iron promote its hardenability. By using tailor made alloying system different amount of martensite and as a consequence different mechanical properties are obtained after sintering. This paper gives a general overview of the properties and microstructures that are obtained for sinter-hardening materials. Focus is paid on PM materials prealloyed with chromium, molybdenum and nickel with and without additions of copper.