Abstract
90/10 bronze components are generally manufactured from mixes based on elemental copper and tin powders, which invariably exhibit growth under production sintering conditions. Previous work has shown that many factors affect growth through their influence on the alloying of tin and copper. Experimental work on atomized copper and tin powders has provided quantitative information on the various factors of significance to growth. It was found that growth was most sensitive to: phosphorus content of copper, fineness of tin, synthetic graphite, addition of prealloyed bronze, green density, heating rate, furnace atmosphere, and sintering temperature. Mechanisms for growth are proposed and preferred methods of growth control suggested.
Notes
* Manuscript received 25 May 1972. Contribution to a Symposium on ‘The Dimensional Control of Powder Metallurgy Parts’ to be held in Eastbourne on 22 November 1972.