Advancement of Powdered Metals Certain

Powdered metals have been a growing but sleeping giant, even pre-World War II. The demand for the 100,000 mile, no maintenance, American made auto, newer and better materials for automotive applications (GM), electronics (HP) and newer technology to replace older manufacturing methods (US Surgical) are the driving force.

Improved premix is now available from powder metal suppliers such as Hoeganaes. New formulation of these powders such as Allied Signal’s agar process, coupled with improved high temperature vacuum/hydrogen processing and operating techniques from Solar Atmospheres, allow the development of the industry.  Further improvements in VFS furnace technology, MGP graphite fixturing, and Cermet stop-off materials from Lanxide are additional examples.

Driving the need is the market, and providing the solution is the economic opportunity.  This encourages suppliers, manufacturers and processors to cooperate and meet a common objective.  The corporate examples noted are a few, and there are numerous others working to meet the worldwide demand.