Page 152 - Module DMV20173

8.0 POWDER PROCESSING

8.2.4 SECONDARY OPERATION

1. In order to further improve the properties of sintered powder metallurgy products, or

to impart special characteristic, several additional operations may be carried out after
sintering.
2. The function of secondary operation are varied, they include densification, sizing,
impregnation, infiltration, heat treatment and finishing.

Example 8.1
Describe the stages to produce compacted product using powder metallurgy

technique in a form of flow chart.

Metal Powder Blending Compaction

Example 8.2

What hazards are involved in powder metallurgy processing? Explain their causes.

Answer.

Because of their high surface area to volume ratio, metal powders can be explosive,
particularly aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zirconium and thorium. Great care must

be exercised both during blending and in storage and handling. Precautions include
(a) grounding equipment, (b) preventing sparks (by using non-sparking tools) and
avoiding friction as a source of heat, and (c) avoiding dust clouds, open flames, and

chemical reactions.

EXERCISE 8.1

1. Describe briefly the production steps involved in making powder

metallurgy parts.

2. Why blending the metal powder is essential in powder metallurgy

processing.

BPLK 184 DMV 20173