ControllingPropertiesofSinteredSteelPowderMetal.PDFVIP

Controlling Properties of Sintered Steel Powder Metal Components Using Atmosphere Composition as a Variable Thomas Philips, John J. Dwyer, Jr. and Zbigniew Zurecki Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 7201 Hamilton Boulevard Allentown, PA 18195 ABSTRACT The role of gas constituents in a sintering atmosphere is re-examined in order to optimize sintered properties of iron-carbon powder metal (PM) components. Property variations in sintered products are related to hydrogen concentration and dew point inside sintering zone. Discussed properties include microstructure, porosity, pore morphology and dimensional stability. Effects of CO containing atmospheres are presented in terms of hardness, carbon control and dimensional changes. It is shown that sintering atmosphere control is critically important in the case of sinter-hardenable, alloyed products. INTRODUCTION Since the late 1970’s the use of Nitrogen/Hydrogen systems has become the atmosphere of choice for sintering of iron and steel powder metal (PM) parts. The original motivation for the switch from conventional natural gas based endothermic atmosphere was due to the natural gas shortages of the late 70’s, however with time the additional benefits of inherent safety, higher properties, better economics and increased reliability became the reasons for the adoption and popularity of the nitrogen based atmospheres. With increasing demands on the properties of sintered components used in the automotive industry, it was not sufficient just to obtain better properties, but imperative to obtain the same properties consistently. The final properties of sintered components is determined by a multitude of processing variables such as powder size and size distribution, powder composition and purity, and the carbon content. Additional variables that influence the end results include, type and amount of lubricants, compaction densities and furnace parameters (temperature, time at temperature, cooling ra