Industrial implementation of high velocity compaction for improved properties

Abstract

In the search for PM components with improved mechanical properties, high velocity compaction (HVC) offers a significant increase in density, and thus properties, coupled with low production cost. In HVC, density increase is achieved using a very high rammer speed in the pressing operation. To reach even higher densities, SKF has developed a route involving HVC recompaction. The powder is conventionally compacted, pre-sintered to burn off the lubricant, recompacted using HVC and finally sintered traditionally. Using this industrially applicable process, components of density 7·7 g cm⁻³ can routinely be produced, and potentially even higher density levels. Examples of applications are presented, with typical properties, and research to improve the process further is described.