Advantages, Limitations, And Applications Of Powder Metallurgy.
Powder Metallurgy is a process in which solid components are formed from powder metal. The metals are very soft and bent in different shapes with proper sintering. It is a popular choice of material for parts with magnetic properties. The magnetism of the metals can be enhanced through the sintering process.
Advantages • The processes of powder metallurgy are noiseless and clean. • The dimensional accuracy and surface finished products are much better for many applications and hence machining can be eliminated. • Hard to process materials such as diamond can be converted into usable parts and tools with this process. • High production rates can be easily obtained. • This process promotes the production of many such parts, which cannot be produced through other methods, such as sintered carbides and self-lubricating bearings. • The elements produced by this process are highly pure and bears a longer life.
Limitations • The cost of tool and die of powder metallurgical set-up is comparatively high • Metal powders are costly and in some cases difficult to store without some deterioration. • Items made by powder metallurgy in most cases do not have as good physical properties as wrought or cast parts. • Parts pressed from the top tend to be less dense at the base. • A completely deep structure cannot be created by this process.
Applications • Porous products such as bearings and filters. • Different machine parts are produced from tungsten powder. • Products of complicated shapes that require considerable machining when made by other processes namely toothed components such as gears. • Powder metal parts where the mixed properties of two metals or metals and non-metals are desired such as non-porous bearings, electric motor brushes, etc. • Copper and graphite powders are used for producing automobile parts and brushes.