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Abstract
The sintering behaviour of AISI 316L powders alloyed with 20%Cu has been studied as a function of various sintering parameters. Copper additions are known to improve compressibility, sinterability, and dimensional control of the final component, as well as improving the corrosion resistance of the sintered material. Specimens have been sintered in an industrial furnace using various N2–H2 atmospheres and sintering times. Microstructural and structural examination of the specimens revealed that: (i) copper additions can reduce nitride precipitation during sintering, thus preventing sensitisation; (ii) copper diffusion into the austenitic particles is promoted by hydrogen rich (i.e. reducing) atmospheres; and (iii) the chosen copper addition of 20% is excessive. The results confirm that copper can have a beneficial effect on the sintering process and in improving the final properties of components; however, its content must be optimised to obtain a homogeneous sintered material. Atmosphere composition is important: the hydrogen content should be high, since this has been found to enhance the rate of all the operating sintering mechanisms. PM/0463