Full Density PM-steel through New Processing Routes

Purpose and goal

The project has aimed to develop and demonstrate new technology to create fully dense powder metallurgical materials and their products. This has been demonstrated through the new manufacturing chain cold isostatic pressing, sintering with final hot isostatic pressing without need for capsule. Through 3D printing, flexible mould making for has been created. The manufacturing chain is directly applicable to water-atomized powder. Through agglomeration, gas-atomized powder has also been able to be processed. A generic technology platform has been established.

Expected results and effects

The results have shown that it is possible to manufacture fully dense PM materials without encapsulation in hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The basis is to sinter to closed porosity whereby HIP can be directly applied. By cold isostatic pressing, lubricants are avoided in initial forming. In principle, larger components can be manufactured than is currently possible with conventional press and sinter. Technically, the project has shown that the mentioned routes are possible regardless of the type of powder. What is not clear yet is the scale-up to a robust industrial process and cost.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has run in collaboration between university, institutes and industry. Innovations in terms of concepts have come from university and institutes. Participating companies have driven applications by demonstrators, but also been highly contributing to the realisation of experiments and evaluations. Höganäs has contributed with powder and core experiments. which also applies to Uddeholm and Kanthal. Quintus has been central as a main objective has been to design HIP and CIP adapted to new manufacturing chain. Jernkontoret has contributed with dissemination events.