We investigated that the effect of based compound on machinability of two types of PM steels. One is a copper steel which is selected as a general PM steel, and the other is a diffusion alloyed steel selected as a high strength PM steel. It is found that based compound addition improves machinability in drilling of both of the PM steels. Although the compound addition degrades the mechanical properties of PM steels, it is considered that decrease of the properties can be compensated by increasing density.

The effect of different cooling rate on the structure and mechanical properties of Fe-3%Mn-(Cr)-(Mo)-0.3%C steels is described. Pre-alloyed Astaloy CrM and CrL, ferromanganese and graphite were used as the starting powders. Following pressing in a rigid die, compacts were sintered at and in atmospheres and cooled with cooling rates and . Convective cooled specimens were subsequently tempered at for 60 and 240 minutes.

The effect of chemical composition of the sintering atmosphere on density, microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-3%Mn-(Cr)-(Mo)-0.3%C steels is described. Pre-alloyed Astaloy CrM and CrL, ferromanganese and graphite were used as the starting powders. Following pressing in a rigid die, compacts were sintered at 1120 and in atmospheres having different ratio and furnace cooled to room temperature. It has been found that the atmosphere composition has negligible effect on the as-sintered properties of the investigated materials.

New applications for PM have resulted in a substantial market growth during the last decades. The clue to these components lies in the utilization of new powders and component production processes. In order to reduce development time and increase the probability for success it is essential to work in close cooperation within the whole chain from powder supplier to component supplier and component user.

Dimensional precision is a critical parameter in net shape processing of ferrous PM components. Sinter-hardening alloys undergo a transformation from austenite to martensite. Martensite formation expands the sintered compact, while tempering hardened steels results in shrinkage. In addition, martensitic regions with high Cu and C contents may contain large amounts of retained austenite. The presence of martensite and retained austenite, in addition to the tempering step, all play a role in the final dimensions of a component. This paper investigates the dimensional and microstructural changes to two sinter-hardening grades through different post-sintering thermal treatments.

Highly compressible Ni-Mo steels are attractive materials for PM due to high sinter density and ease of processing. Extra-fine Ni admixed PM steels have demonstrated improved mechanical properties and rolling contact fatigue resistance due to a more uniform microstructure and increased Ni diffusion during sintering. Sinter densities of single press single sinter XF Ni-Mo steels can approach at moderate compaction pressures. Leaner alloys based on extra-fine Ni powder are possible depending on the performance requirements of the PM steel part. Extra-fine Ni steels are particularly attractive for the growing market of high performance PM gears and sprockets.

Machining of sinter-hardened PM steels provides a challenge for part makers. To facilitate machining of these materials, a new additive (MA) has been developed to increase tool life during the machining process. Hard turning tests were performed to evaluate the effect of this new additive. Sintered compacts with the MA additive were compared to compacts without a machining aid and to compacts that contained the MnS additive. This paper discusses the improvement in machinability with this new additive in sinter-hardenable PM steels.

Powder grades pre-alloyed with 1.5-3 wt% chromium can be successfully sintered at the conventional temperature although well-monitored sintering atmospheres are required to avoid oxidation. Mechanical properties of the Cr-alloyed PM grades are enhanced by a higher sintering temperature in the range , due to positive effects from pore rounding, increased density and more effective oxide reduction. Astaloy CrM (Fe-3 wt% Cr-0.5 wt% Mo) with 0.6 wt% graphite added obtains an ultimate tensile strength of 1470 MPa and an impact strength of 31 J at density , after sintering at followed by cooling at and tempering.