People have used powder metallurgy since ancient times for making arms, jewelry, coins, etc. However, the process of making powder metal (PM) parts has changed from time to time. Features of powder metal, such as its enormous flexibility regarding processes, materials, shapes, and products, make it ideally suited for a number of applications. Besides, it also has the ability to adapt itself to the changing requirements in a changing industrial environment. Powder metallurgy has evolved itself and always remains in a state of flux to obtain PM-products that are better in strength and performance and not to ignore the cost-effectiveness. In this blog, let’s find out what could be the future advances in powder metallurgy and also its evolution.
Evolution of powder metallurgy
People since ancient times have made use of different metals, but they had limited knowledge of the methods to melt most of these metals. For instance, lead and tin with low melting points were easily used for various purposes, however, the technology to melt metals such as platinum and tungsten emerged only in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Hence, earlier metals with high melting points were hammered to produce the desired solid shapes. The method was used to produce platinum and gold jewelry and also the famous ‘Delhi Pillar’. Metal powder forging occurred in Spain in the 18th century whereas in England and Russia in the 19th century.
Further advancement in powder metallurgy emerged in the late 19th century with the emergence of the powder sintering process, alongside the use of electricity. Durable tungsten filaments were produced by powder sintered methods to replace electric arcs. By the 1920s, powder sintering became the most popular powder metallurgy technology which was also driven by the improvement in compaction technology. It was used to make cutting tools, self-lubricating bearings, magnetic materials, firearms components, and more. After the Second World War, there was a dramatic increase in the demand for automobiles, which further increased the manufacturing of sintered metal parts.
The emergence of metal injection molding (MIM) in the 1980s and additive manufacturing in 2000 revolutionized powder metallurgy. These methods enable the creation of complex geometries and complement the sintering and compaction side of powder metallurgy.
What are the future advances in powder metallurgy?
With the rapid advancement in technology in every sector, it is essential for powder metallurgy to be more advanced. For example, due to the diesel crisis, governments all over the world are promoting electric or hybrid cars. So, there is a need to replace the internal combustion engine. For this, the powder metallurgy industry has to remain prepared for the fundamental change. What is more important for the powder metallurgy industry is to produce cheap products with high performance. To cater to fulfil the demands of different industries, it’s making advancements to overcome the challenges related to
- Density
Typically, metal powder products have a small degree of porosity, which is useful for lubrication and noise deadening in some applications but also limit both structural and magnetic performance. Manufacturers of powder metal products are working to increase the density to develop new and improved products.
- Use of high-melting-point materials
It is observed that most metal powder parts are brittle so industries are looking for the options to create parts with increased strength. Materials such as vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, etc. that require sintering at high temperatures are now being used by some manufacturers to produce high-strength components.
- Production of soft magnetic composite materials
Soft magnetic composite materials can be formed into complex, 3d shapes and hence many industries are showing an increased interest in such materials.
Thus, powder metallurgy, which has been used by mankind since ancient times, is fast making advancements to the changing needs of various sectors. Working on the new fronts, manufacturers of PM components are moving forward to offer strong and high-performing components at the lowest possible cost.
Conclusion
Industrial Metal Powders (I) Pvt Ltd based in Pune is a world-class metal powders manufacturer that produces a wide range of metal powders like iron, copper, alloy, bronze etc. in different mesh sizes and caters to fulfiling the demands of various industries. At IMP, Pune, we maintain a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit to produce metal powders in bulk so that we can deliver your orders on time. For all your requirements of metal powders, contact us.
