sintering
Sintering is the process of heating a powdered metal to a temperature just below its melting point for the purpose of producing a solid, cohesive piece. The latter enhances the strength and density of the powder without completely melting it. This process is widely used in the field of powder metallurgy.
Key Features:
- Powder Compaction: This is the compaction of the metal powder into the desired shape prior to heating.
- Heat Treatment: The compacted piece is then heated in a controlled environment to bond the particles together.
- Improvement of Characteristics: This increases the strength, density, and mechanical properties of the end product.
The overall point of Sintering is the production of complex-shaped, highly strong, and precise metal parts. Applications are found in automotive, aerospace, and electronic industries. Development in sintering techniques has led to improving quality, lowering costs, and increasing the scope of application in modern manufacturing.