Secondary Processes

After sintering, parts may be machined to allow for additional shaping or achieving precision tolerance control on certain features. Machining processes like milling, turning, and drilling are used to achieve tight tolerances and specific geometries.

Applying coatings or plating onto the surface of powder metal components can enhance corrosion resistance, improve wear characteristics, or add aesthetic appeal.

Infiltration involves introducing a low-melting-point alloy, typically copper, into the porous structure of the sintered component during sintering. When the part is heated above the melting point of the copper, it is pulled into the pores of the part through capillary action. The process can enhance properties such as density, strength, ductility, and impact strength.

Impregnation is a process where the porosity of sintered components is filled with anaerobic resin, oil, or other material, to allow for sealing, lubrication, or acoustic damping.

Processes like grinding, polishing, or tumbling can be used to achieve specific surface finishes to improve aesthetics and functionality.

Powder metal components can be welded or joined through processes like brazing, diffusion bonding, or welding to create more complex assemblies.

Lapping and honing processes involve precision grinding and abrasive machining to achieve high levels of flatness, parallelism, and surface finish in powder metal components.

Heat treatment involves subjecting the sintered component to controlled heating and cooling cycles to alter its microstructure resulting in improved hardness, strength, and other desired mechanical properties.