High strength PM aluminium alloys Al-Zn-Mg-Cu (7075 type) were studied by using commercially available powder blends and the sinter-forging technique for component production. Principal areas of focus include the response to PM processing, micro structural assessment and material properties of Aluminium sinter forged products. Green preforms are successfully sintered to near full density by solid-supersolidus liquid phase sintering. Sinter forging method can produce components with net shape and mechanical characteristics of the material have improved greatly. Properties of this new PM Al-alloy were found to be reproducible in an industrial production environment.

The fabrication of complex-shaped parts out of Co-Cr-Mo alloy and 316L stainless steel by three-dimensional printing (3DP) was studied using two grades of each alloy with average particle size of 20 and , respectively. To produce sound specimens, the proper 3DP processing parameters were determined. The sintering behavior of the powders was characterized by dilatometric analysis and by batch sintering in argon atmosphere at for 2h. The 3DP process has successfully produced complex-shaped biomedical parts with total porosity of 12-25% and homogenous pore structure, which could be suitable for tissue growth into the pores.

Cellular metals based on Iron have been intensively investigated during the last two decades. Because of the significant decreasing of the structural density of Iron based cellular structures, numerous technologies have been developed for their manufacturing. Besides the tremendous weight reduction a combination with other properties like energy and noise absorption, heat insulation and mechanical damping can be achieved. This contribution will give an overview about the latest state in Iron based cellular materials, including technologies in manufacturing, properties and potential applications.

Ferrous powder metallurgy in Japan has developed in the last four decades, where every decade is featured by certain breakthroughs in materials. The progress in PM materials is closely related to newly developed powders. Low alloy steel powders for high strength PM components are grouped into three types: Ni and/or Mo containing completely alloyed powders, Ni containing partially alloyed powders, and Cr containing completely alloyed powders. Every type has its special characteristics. The tensile strength of PM materials is improved up to 2 GPa. The hardness is also increased to exceed 500 HV with normal hardening methods, and 700 HV with novel surface treatment techniques. The present maximum of fatigue strength is 550 MPa, and that of impact energy is 100 J. Novel PM materials with improved properties are applied to a variety of automobile and other components: power steering pumps, rocker anns, valve guides and inserts, bearings, torque sensors, etc. The future outlook for the ferrous PM is Quite positive, and the industry is expected to show renewed growth by applying many types of alloy steel powders and new ferrous PM materials.