Powder metallurgy products have a large number of applications;

some of them are given in the following.

1. Porous products: 

Any degree of porosity can be obtained in powder metallurgy products. Examples of porous products include: oil impregnated self-lubricating bearings, sound dampers, flame arresters, heat exchangers, selective liquid filters, etc. (Fig.).

2. Machine components: 

Machine components such as gears, cams, connecting rods and babbitt bearings for connecting rods of automobiles, piston rod valve guides and other components of engines are commonly made by powder metallurgy.

3. Cemented carbides: 

Cemented carbide inserts used for metal cutting tools and metal forming (wire drawing) dies are important powder metallurgy products.

4. Refractory metal composites: 

These are superior to even super alloys for high temperature applications. Cermets (which are the combination of metals and ceramics) are the examples.

5. Diamond impregnated tools: 

These are made in the form of bits, from a mixture of iron powder and diamond dust.

6. Tungsten filament: 

Pure tungsten powder is pressed into bars and sintered and later drawn through tungsten carbide dies to make filament wires for light bulbs.

7. Materials for electrical contacts: 

Copper and tungsten are joined together by powder metallurgy to make a material for special electrical contacts. Copper-graphite brushes is another example.

8. Combination of metals and nonmetals: 

Various combinations of metals and non-metals are used, for example, clutch plate and brake lining, copper-graphite bearings, iron-graphite for making pump rotors and gears.

A variety of products with any degree of porosity are produced by powder metallurgy: examples of dense products are shown at (a) while those of porous products at (b).

See More: Types of Gears

See More: Molding Process

See More: Mechanization and Automation