Powder metallurgy process
The powder metallurgy process holds advantages for a wide range of stainless steel grades. The process consists of the following steps:
- Step 1: Powder is mixed with a lubricant.
- Step 2: Powder is pressed into a defined geometry.
- Step 3: Components are sintered.
- Step 4: The required finishing is performed.
Sintering takes place in a controlled atmosphere in high-technology sintering furnaces at high temperatures. During the sintering process, the powder particles bind together via an atomic diffusion process, giving the component its final form and strength, as well as the high corrosion resistance that has been developed at Sintex.
At Sintex, we have extensive experience with calibration, and can ensure component tolerances down to just a few microns. We also offer services such as deburring, machining and impregnation.
Recent
Case studies
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Powder metallurgy fulfills high requirements
Automotive customer finds solution for strict material and quality requirements at Sintex, using powder metallurgy solutions matching their specific needs.
Powder metallurgy fulfills high requirements
An automotive customer has strict material and quality requirements fulfilled using a Sintex powder metallurgy solution matched to their specific needs.
The stainless steel sintering process is a proven and frequently utilized process within the automotive industry. Our automobile customer was not in any doubt about the choice of the process, but the reason for choosing Sintex as a business partner was that we could meet extra tough material and quality requirements. Our technology partner needed extra corrosion resistance – without, of course, higher costs. We solved this requirement through a combination of material changes, sparring and proposals for design enhancements such that a higher material price could be offset through savings in terms of material quantities.
Furthermore, we offered a fully automatic line in order to optimize handling of large volumes and maintain focus on high, uniform quality which resulted in absolute superior quality, with only 3 PPM rejections.
Sintex has worked together with this automobile customer since 2000, and this collaboration has extended to four different versions of servo brakes. They are particularly common in energy-efficient hybrid vehicles.
The advantage of the brake system is that it is only used when needed. The system is thus energy-efficient in relation to other solutions in which the system is running at all times. At Sintex we are proud of being able to make a difference in our cars – whether the brake system ends up in a Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Peugeot, Citroen or other makes.
How has our automobile partner benefitted from collaboration?
- Improved corrosion resistance
- Optimized design
- Material savings
- Fully automatic line – high volume – low price
- Boost to quality – lower PPM
… and an innovative partner with high focus on continuous improvements and the ability to deliver components worldwide.
