CHALLENGES FOR THE 21ST-CENTURY

The fundamentals of the P/M industry in North America have never been stronger. Raw materials suppliers, equipment manufacturers and their c ustomers who fabriacte P/M parts, are investing and expanding. Markets for ferrous and nonferrous powders, P/M parts and PIM parts are asses sed in retrospect and into the next century. Market opportunities for the utilization of advanced particulate materials are also considered; these include high speed steels, metal matrix composites and nanostru ctured alloys. Technology transfer is reflected in the activities of t he MPIF Technical Board, the MPIF web site and programs sponsored by t he Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology.