EFFECTS OF SINTERING PARAMETERS ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF A FE-2CU-2NI-0.9MO-0.8C STEEL

Iron alloyed with nickel copper molybdenum, and carbon was examined to determine the role of several processing parameters on the final sint ered properties for densities in the range of 7.2 to 7.4g/cm(3). The s tudy included the effect of compacting pressure, and sintering tempera ture and time on the mechanical properties and dimensional variation i n addition, heat treatment was investigated A systematic method was us ed to determine critical parameters and their interactions, while tail oring the microstructure. Thereafter, these parameters were controlled tightly while tolerable variations for others parameters were examine d to reduce cost, without sacrificing final sintered properties. The s tudy demonstrates possible property and dimensional optimization for t his steel; an as-sintered strength of 940MPa and a toughness of 29J, w as achieved using conventional single press single sinter technology. Heat treatment resulted in a tensile strength over 1.2Gpa while the to ughness remained constant.