2 7 4 M a n u y f a c t u r i n gP r o c e s s e s

urities greatly
hese
The
fluence the
impurities
present
m e c h a n i c a l
in the
powders.

characteristic

sintering
stics of
powdered
other post-sinte
a n d oti
metals,

product from
epysea
physie
perationS whieh
Sin

as
well a s pressing,
n
finished
of finish
of yders, are
affecto.
F u r t h e r m o r e ,

production

for the powders.

are
necessary
in the
present
impurities
of
by
Distribution:
Ihe size particles

appreciable in otherO vimpo

Po
Size and It has a n
2.
Particle
of metal
powders.
during
s i n t e r i n o e h c e

over densit P
characteristic
and s h r i n k a g e
impo
sity,
compressibility
fundamental
fund.
tribution is
of ortance since
porosity,
taffets
distribution

size
hysical and mechani
Thus particle alongwithp
pressing
and sintering
behaviour
The size
tributions given is affected byt
distrib: propetie
Percen
given sample of Do
material.
of the
sintered

medium and
fine particles
ina

of s i m i l a r size
increase red metal. t
of the coarse,
that the
d that
use of particles rosity and ot
te it,it. The density of metal decreases by use of lco
noted
may be The densi
dissimilar size decreases
ins, Thus a balanced n coarse
of fine grains. Thus balanced
grains and
increases by the useworked out for specific use. proportiono
sizes must be
different particle
be flat, angular, dendrite, spherical a
of Particle: The shape utilized the powder.l tragged
may
3. Shape for production of
the method affecs
depending upon
and strength of the part produced.
compactness, porosity

of the metal powdet

4.Apparent Density: In other words, it is the specific gravity
It may be defined as the mass per unit volume of unpacked or loose powde
centimeter (g/cms). The chemical
usually expressed in grams per cubic
composition, size of the particle and its distribution, shape of the particle and the
process of manufacturing the metal powders, are the factors affecting apparent
density. More metal powders would be required, if the specific gravity is reduai
and hence it should be maintained constant so that the same quantity of powder
is required for each part. It is worth noting that the spherical particles of powdk
have max1mum apparent density whereas dendrite and irregularly shape
particle powders have reduced apparent density.
5.Flowability: It is that property of the metal powder by virtue of winuhitflows
readily, uniformly and rapidly into the die or mould
required to fill die or mould and the rate of a
cavity. Itgove of the
The shapes
particle size and its distribution, coefficient of production. t
inter particle frictio spheric
andthe
absorbed moisture are the
affecting flowability. Coarse factors and spherica
particles possess good and maximum flowability whereas fine and irrgular
particles have poor as well as reduced
flowability respectively.
6. Compressibility: It may be defined as the ratio of the initial vounrtsion
the etal
powder (i.e. loose or unpacked ression.l

normally varies from 2:1 to 3:1. powder) the final to ume after com
the green volume
that

is the It controls a of theepOwde O w d e r ,

mechanical strength of a streng eed part

trength partbetore

green component (i.e.

comp