Features for August 2009

Features Archive

In Europe they're hard metals: in the U.S. they're viewed differently In Europe they're hard metals: in the U.S. they're viewed differently

Why do hardmetals have such high status in professional circles in Europe, whilst in North America cemented carbides are the metaphorical poor relation? It's an important question for Metal Powder Report, which circulates in both areas.

PIM 2009 shirks Mickey Mouse technology PIM 2009 shirks Mickey Mouse technology

The beaming children assaulting their teeth with sweets, just minutes away on Florida's Disneyland resort, may one day appreciate the work discussed at the Royal Plaza hotel. Rob Stringer reports on a conference with a dental and medical flavour…

EDS as a method of manufacturing diamond tools EDS as a method of manufacturing diamond tools

This paper details the use of electro discharge sintering (EDS) to sinter diamond containing segments to high density and strength from standard iron powders using a split mould with insulating sides and conductive punches. Additional segments were made from iron powder and diamond manufactured in strip form and cut to shape …

Chilly in Vienna, but warm discussion of hardmetals Chilly in Vienna, but warm discussion of hardmetals

The Winterev hard materials gathering is getting bigger and Ken Brookes mourns a slight loss of informality that is one immediate result…

'Perfect storm’ hits PM industry 'Perfect storm’ hits PM industry

The credit crunch, plummeting car sales, and stagnant end-use markets have combined to create a significant slowdown in powder metallurgy. Contributing editor Lauren Moraski speaks with industry members about how their firms are weathering the global economic crisis …

A pressing need for efficiency

Any process will have a chance in the market if it is efficient in comparison to alternative processes. Lutz Lackner from Dorst Technologies looks at how manufacturers using powder compaction to make pressed parts can be helped to reduce costs while increasing the efficiency of the forming process…

PM companies eye a new future of taking medicine PM companies eye a new future of taking medicine

As the credit squeeze threatens many small companies in the PM supply chain, some are looking to pastures new, and hi-tech pastures at that, for inspiration, new business directions and profitability…

Belarus using technology to build a better PM industry Belarus using technology to build a better PM industry

The countries of the former Eastern Bloc are using PM technologies developed during the Soviet era but combining and sharpening them by the use of imported new technologies…

Looking at MW sintering and nickel diffusion Looking at MW sintering and nickel diffusion

The countries of the former Eastern Bloc are using PM technologies developed during the Soviet era but combining and sharpening them by the use of imported new technologies…