Functional Sintered Parts with Adapted Structures

This article discusses the manufacturing of different types of composite PM parts by combining powder material with a second phase, powder or solid. This combination is aimed at achieving functionalities that are tailored to defined applications. The applied forming process is axial pressing and sintering. In this work, two different approaches are discussed. The first method, which is also discussed in detail, is based on embedding copper elements with defined shapes in a high melting powder matrix. During sintering the Copper element melts and leaves a cavity which is used as a cooling channel. The molten copper flows into the surrounding matrix and produces a thermally conductive filling. The second introduced method deals with increasing the local wear resistance of a PM component by producing an adapted hard material gradient in highly stressed areas. A graded structure offers the advantages of a continuous variation of mechanical properties and prevents the part from fractures caused by abrupt material transitions.