Development of Sintered Low Alloy Steels

Abstract

Three routes for increasing the strengths of sintered steels are identified. First, strength can be increased by increasing the density of the material, either during the compaction process or during sintering: several possible approaches are suggested. Second, strength can be increased through alloying the metallic matrix: the reasons for the selection of alloying elements, and the methods of alloying are considered. Third, the alloyed metallic matrix can be strengthened either by quench hardening and tempering, or by precipitation hardening heat treatments, but the response to heat treatment depends on the homogeneity of the matrix. The extremely heterogeneous compositions and structures of steels made from elemental or master alloy mixes, partially prealloyed powders, or coated powders present a unique opportunity to engineer structures that have desired combinations of properties. PM/0492