January 2007 features

Looking closely at PM lubes through the microscope to 'see real effects'
The use and effect of lubricants during compaction and ejection of metal powder has long been studied from a macro perspective, assessing effects of different factors but ignoring the actual mechanisms through which they operate. A Swedish research group has looked at the physical interaction between the metal powder, lubricant and tool wall on a microscopic level...

Finding a future for manganese by cutting costs
The yo-yo prices of commodities have affected the powder metals market as much as others. PM producers are looking hard at materials they may once have discounted in order to gain commercial advantage. Joe Capus reports…

Long life demands spark probe into tool performance
Chinese cobalt, spark-plasma sintering and functional gradients were amongst the many topics discussed by hard materials experts at EuroPM2006 in Ghent. Ken Brookes reports...

Coating points a way for synthesis of tough intermetallics
Particle coating is a suitable route to homogenous fine intermetallic powder mixtures. It has the advantages of easy control of the alloying content and regular distribution of the elements, favouring sintering and homogenisation...