Powder Metallurgy (P/M)

Use powder metallurgy and powder metal services to produce hardware, automobile and household components
By Deneatra Harmon Powder metallurgy (P/M) is a metalworking process that involves the shaping, bonding or forming of metal materials. P/M parts producers start with metals and alloys in a powder form, then apply heating and other powder metal services to manufacture tools, parts and other applications used in transportation, home and gardening.

During the powder metallurgy process, parts and bearings are produced by pressing and sintering, full-density processing and power injection molding. Pressing and sintering involves heat and surface treatments for powder metallurgy bearings. With full-density processing, P/M parts producers use techniques such as spray forming, powder forging and hot isostatic pressing. Power injection molding involves a technique that produces mechanical parts of various shapes and functions. This molding process also adds strength and flexibility to several plastics. Mills, presses and furnaces are the machines used for powder metallurgy powder production methods. As a P/M component distributor or a manufacturer who participates in the powder metallurgy process, it's important to be aware of the following aspects:

1. Research and study powder metallurgy powder production methods and techniques.

2. Find manufacturers or powder metal services that stock a wide variety of powder metallurgy options.

3. Work with powder metallurgy powder production methods using the right equipment.

Research the best powder metallurgy powder production methods

Find the best practices for providing powder metal services and handling the powder metallurgy process.
Try:  Crucible Research manufactures specialty powder metallurgy (P/M) metals. They also provide research that involves the powder metallurgy process. Metal powder provider ACuPowder International performs research services and projects for powder metallurgy and powder metallurgy equipment.

Search for manufacturers that offer a large inventory of powder metallurgy and components

Supply your business with powder metallurgy for a variety of uses, such as bronzing, brazing and P/M casting.
Try:  Hoeganaes offers powder metal services that apply to stainless steel, iron and nickel powder metallurgy. Technic manufactures gold, silver and tin powders used during the powder metallurgy process, particularly for electrical and conductive products. Metal Powder Products features a product line of powder metallurgy bearings used for power tools, vacuum cleaner parts, brake components and gears.

Operate the right equipment for powder metallurgy powder production methods

Powder metallurgy presses, furnaces and mills are some of the top P/M parts producers.
Try:  Savage Engineering stocks custom-built presses for powder metallurgy in metal components. ALD Vacuum Technologies provides powder metallurgy furnaces for melting and refining technology. Union Process assembles equipment for powder metallurgy such as wet and dry grinding mills.

• Educational training may also be required to enter the world of powder metallurgy (P/M). P/M parts producers usually have a background in science, engineering or materials design. Online certification courses teach the basics, techniques and advancements of powder metallurgy in metal components and equipment.