As the geometric complexity and tolerance requirements of powder metal parts become more demanding added machining operations are required as a necessary step in the manufacturing process. Likewise, a better understanding of the effects powder metal materials and processes have on the machinability of P/M components is needed.An investigation into the effects of post-sintering cooling rate on the microstructure, machinability and tensile properties of an FC-0208 copper steel was conducted. Machinability was measured using a drill test on a high volume production component. Three cooling rates (9, 17 and 40 ° C/minute) were used to generate the variation in microstructure. Machinability analysis was performed using box-and-whisker plots and includes drill motor load, hole size on drill entry and exit, and microfinish. Metallography and tensile properties and a discussion of their relationship with machinability are included.Results indicate that the above mentioned cooling rates can produce a measurable difference in microstructure, machinability and tensile performance. A slow cooling rate can be employed to improve the machinability of this material. However, a substantial decrease in tensile properties results. Therefore, care must be taken to properly control the microstructure to optimize both machinability and mechanical properties for the application of interest.
Enhanced Machinability of P/M Parts Through Microstructure Control
Sae Technical Papers
International Congress & Exposition ; 1994
1994-03-01
Conference paper
English
Drilling , Metals , Copper , Manufacturing processes , Production , Steel , Parts , Tensile strength
Enhanced Machinability of P/M Parts Through Microstructure Control
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