On Line Ultrasonic Monitoring of Iron Powder During Compaction

Abstract

A novel ultrasonic method of monitoring the compaction of iron powder is presented. The precision of this technique is discussed and its sensitivity to changes in powder properties is investigated. The technique is then applied to the problem of the compaction of a multilevel compact. The technique proves capable of independently determining the density of each level continuously during the compaction. Consequently, the technique is a more direct probe of the compaction process than commercially available systems. PM/0721