DENSIFICATION STRATEGIES FOR HIGH ENDURANCE P M COMPONENTS/

In recent years the use of powder metallurgy (P/M) parts in automotive drivetrains has shown impressive growth. This is forecast to continue in the medium term (1-5 years) with the ongoing adoption of high volu me components such as powder forged connecting rods, P/M main bearing caps and P/M transmission sprockets. In the longer term (5-10 years) c ontinued real growth will become increasingly dependent on P/M's abili ty to displace parts made from heat treated low alloy wrought steel. M any traditional P/M materials will not meet the durability demands of these components, in part due to strength deficits caused by residual porosity and inappropriate alloying. This review paper focuses on the density requirements for high performance components. By reference to actual parts in production, it is proposed that no single high density process will meet the requirements for every component. A variety of strategies must be developed, keeping in mind from the outset, that an y new process must have a sustainable cost advantage if if is to succe ed in dislodging long established manufacturing methods.