STATUS OF POWDER-METALLURGY IN KOREA

Since 1993 the Korean powder metallurgy industry has grown at an annua l rate of about 15%. The primary source of this growth has been the de mand for structural powder metallurgy parts by the automotive industry in Korea. Other growth areas include parts for the electrical and ele ctronic industries, consumer products, cemented carbides and diamond c utting tools. All ferrous powders are imported Non-ferrous powders inc luding copper tungsten and tungsten carbide are produced domestically. Since its incorporation in 1993, the Korean Powder Metallurgy institu te has grown rapidly. The country boasts an active program for researc h and development performed by industry, research institutes and withi n the academic community The need for a viable trade association is id entified.