Powdered Metal
Powdered metal is metal that has been processed into a fine powder and then formed into solid parts using powder metallurgy. In most cases, the powder is pressed in a precision die to create a part shape, then heated in a controlled furnace so the particles bond together in a process called sintering. Depending on the material and the application, parts may also be heat treated, sized for tighter tolerances, or infiltrated or impregnated with another material to improve strength, density, or lubrication.
Powdered metal parts are common in automotive, industrial, and tool applications because the process can produce complex shapes with very little scrap compared with machining. It is often used for gears, sprockets, bushings, bearings, and structural components. Powder metallurgy can also combine materials that are difficult to cast or machine, and it allows control over porosity, which can be useful for self lubricating bearings or filtration components.
Powdered metal parts are common in automotive, industrial, and tool applications because the process can produce complex shapes with very little scrap compared with machining. It is often used for gears, sprockets, bushings, bearings, and structural components. Powder metallurgy can also combine materials that are difficult to cast or machine, and it allows control over porosity, which can be useful for self lubricating bearings or filtration components.
