Copper powder is a cheaper and versatile alternative to molten copper, used in alloys, metal-plastic combinations, and structural applications. It can be produced through atomization or centrifugal disintegration. Powdered copper is easier to work with and can be mixed with non-metals. A powder metallurgist can control the porosity of the copper.
Copper powder is finely granulated copper that has many metallurgical functions. The powder is cheaper than regular molten copper, so engineers can save money on supplies, and it often helps conserve materials because less copper will be needed. Copper powder can also have different densities when handled by a powder metallurgist, meaning the copper can be porous and impregnated with oils or other metals, or it can be non-porous like molten copper. Powdered copper is used as an alloy, in metal-plastic combinations and in structural applications.
Two main industrial processes transform copper, or any other metal, into a powder. In the atomization method, molten copper is pushed through a thin tube and the gas pushes against the stream of metal, producing turbulence and pulverizing the molten copper. With centrifugal disintegration, copper rods are placed in a rotating mandrel and an arc heats the rods. Using constant rotation, small pieces of copper will fly off, producing the dust.
Price is one of the main reasons copper powder is used. Purchasing powdered copper is usually cheaper than purchasing molten copper, so engineers and metallurgists can save money for more expensive materials. At the same time, the powder will need to be cast or processed to be useful. This need to be melted also makes the powder versatile, because it can be used in many applications without having to break down already molten copper.
Copper powder is often used as an alloying powder and is somewhat easier to work with than molten copper. This is because, in its powdered form, copper is easier to heat and mix with other metals. Copper is often alloyed with iron and tin, and powdered copper can perform as well as smelted copper in this arena. As a powder, it can also be mixed with non-metals such as plastics to create new substances commonly used for decoration. Approximately 70% of powdered copper is used in the manufacture of self-lubricating bearings, which take advantage of the porous nature of powdered copper.
When copper powder is joined as a casting or used in other applications, a powder metallurgist will be able to control how porous the copper is. At highly porous levels, up to 60 percent, the copper will have holes that will allow oils and other substances to pass through. The non-porous powder will be solid, just like regular molten copper, making it sturdier.
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