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Sintered steel is made by heating powdered metal below its melting point to form a molecular bond. It is used for its high temperature resistance and low strain rate. The production process involves pulverizing, stamping, and compacting the metal powder. Additives can be mixed in to increase machinability. Sintered steel is used in various applications, including filters, brake pads, and ball bearings.
Sintered steel is a type of metal that has undergone a sintering process, in which powdered metal is heated below its melting point until the particles form a molecular bond. Metals such as iron, copper and aluminum are commonly processed into sintered steel. Sintered steels normally possess high temperature resistance and low strain rate.
There are three main stages in the production of sintered steel: pulverizing, stamping and compacting. The first step is to turn the steel ore into powder. Grinding, atomization, chemical reaction and centrifugal disintegration are four ways to produce metal powder.
The powder is transferred to a mold press. Metal products with intricate shapes and details can be manufactured more efficiently with this method because the particles fit the mold better. The mold is then pressurized and compacted. Heat is added to melt the particles. In some cases, the sintered metal can be re-pressed to reduce the porosity.
While easy to shape, sintered steel can be difficult to work with. The irregular particles create an abrasive surface which accelerates the wear of the machining tools. To increase machinability, additives such as phosphorus, sulfur and tellurium are mixed with the base metal to create a smoother surface.
Unlike traditional metallurgy, where steel is melted in a more or less liquid state before being shaped, sintered steel is forged while still in powder form. Since they don’t have to be melted down, several steps are eliminated from the conventional process. This reduces production time, which can be crucial for high-volume production.
A relatively low temperature is required to sinter steel. As a result, tungsten and other metals with high melting temperatures are often made into sintered steel. Metals that do not easily bind from smelting can be combined by sintering. Titanium carbide, a tough metal used in machining bits and spacecraft exteriors, is produced by this method.
The spaces between the particles created during sintering increase the porosity of the steel. This attribute enables the production of sintered stainless steel filters, which can be used to filter air and chemicals. Also, because sintered stainless steel can withstand tremendous heat, it is often applied in extreme conditions environments.
In motorcycles, sintered copper steel is regularly used as a component of brake pads. Provides relatively greater stopping power and heat resistance than organic brake pads. The ability to remain durable after repeated breakdowns has made it popular with motorcycle enthusiasts. Sintered steel ball bearings are often found in industrial machines. Spaces within the bearings hold fluid, which helps keep them properly lubricated.
