Energy consumption in powder metallurgical manufacturing

Abstract

A detailed analysis of energy consumption throughout the PM production route has been conducted, based on both theoretical and experimental considerations, with the focus on PM parts production. Comparison of the values obtained with actual values from production plants provides useful insights into process development and priorities for energy conservation. Furnace processes (powder annealing and component sintering) are found to dominate energy consumption, hence operations that achieve efficient furnace loading can enjoy significant benefits. Energy input per kilogram of production was found to vary widely among the plants surveyed, depending on part complexity and size, production volume and material.