What Is a Powder Metal Part?
A powder metal part is a metal component manufactured by compressing metal powder and then subjecting it to a heating process called sintering.
The manufacturing process consists of four stages: powder production, mixing and forming, sintering, and finishing. Metal powder is produced using methods like hydrogen reduction or atomization, mixed with lubricants and additives, and then compressed into molds. Subsequently, the sintering process bonds the metal powder particles together, completing the part.
Powder metal parts find applications in various industries including automotive, household appliances, machine tools, medical devices, and electronics. They are particularly suitable for parts requiring complex shapes and high precision, offering high strength and durability. Their characteristics include the ability to produce parts with complex shapes, high precision, high strength, and minimal material waste.