COMMON CAUSES OF CRACKS IN P M COMPACTS

In conventional press and sinter P/M components the origin of most cra cks can be traced to occurrences prior to the sintering phase. To prev ent these defects from practice is necessary to understand the root ca uses and to take appropriate action. All too frequently the root cause is not addressed and solutions are generated that mask the true probl em the defect may be controlled through these approaches temporarily; however, the problem is still present and may return at a later time. Cracks in P/M compacts are true problems in any production facility. H ere many of the root causes of cracks that can be traced to occurrence s in P/M compacts are assessed. It is hoped that this information will provide P/M part designers development engineers, and press setup per sonnel with information on how, where, when and why cracks originate, and establish a practical knowledge base for eliminating the defects.