Powder Metallurgy

In order to increase the competitiveness of P/M compared to other manufacturing process that results in improved mechanical properties with maintained tolerances at reduced processing costs. End users of P/M parts are demanding still higher levels of mechanical properties available through higher densities.

Sintered density in P/M components is the main governing parameters in deciding mechanical properties. Conventionally, powders are compacted by Cold Compaction or Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). A more economical and new approach for densification is Warm Compaction (W/C). By this process it is possible to achieve uniform densities upto 7.4 gm/cc by single compaction and sintering and thereby achieving improved mechanical properties. In addition to this W/C provides increased green strength thus allowing handling and green machining of powder components in green state. Being a single press and a single sinter process, W/C is ideal for complex multilevel P/M parts that require high mechanical properties that cannot be obtained at conventional compaction densities. Process robustness, process capability and economical advantage go hand in hand in case of W/C.

W/C is not practiced effectively in Indian Industries. The main aim is thus to fabricate an efficient experimental set-up for W/C. Also, the effect of temperature and various lubricants viz. Zinc Stearate, Kenolube, Amide Waxes etc. will be examined. Flow rate of powder by using Hall Flow meter will be measured at different temperatures and time in the presence and absence of lubricants. Thus parameter like temperature, time, lubricants will be varied to examine their effects on density of compacts.