HIGH-DENSITY PROCESSING OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE FERROUS MATERIALS

Density is a predominant factor in the performance of P/M components. Methods such as double press/double sinter, copper infiltration and po wder forging have been employed to provide higher densities than tradi tional single press and sinter operations; however; their widespread u se is constrained by cost and geometry considerations. A commercially proven method for obtaining single compaction/single sinter densities in the 7.25 to 7.55g/cm3 range by means of the patented ANCORDENSE(TM) technology is introduced. Conventional compaction pressures and sint ering temperatures, typically not exceeding 50tsi (690MPa) or 2300-deg rees-F (1260-degrees-C), respectively, are utilized. Resulting propert ies for several high performance materials are presented. Test results indicate that the new material system is a cost effective method of p roviding high density parts with outstanding physical properties. The process is shown to be applicable to a wide variety of high performanc e materials. Additionally, significant improvements in green strength and ejection forces are realized.