Development of Elastic Die for Powder Pressing of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

The compaction of Al–SiC composite powder using an elastic die and the influence of geometrical and pressing parameters on the relative density and springback of this material relative to unreinforced aluminium powder compacts are discussed. It is shown that very high density compacts can be obtained for these materials, together with free ejection, less wear on the active die surfaces, and no requirement for a tapper on the components. Good quality pressed pieces in the form of solid cylinders, rings and multilevel shapes were obtained. PM/0740