Micro parts manufacturing by powder metallurgy (Micro PM)

Precision parts in powder metallurgy are manufactured by press and sinter operations followed by sizing. The advantage of net shape production is combined with dimensional precision and low surface roughness. However this technique is limited to very dimensions > 1mm because of particles size, die filling and tool design. The paper presents a new concept of producing small precision parts by a forming operation without die compaction. Fine metal powders that enable part dimensions and geometrical complexity less than 1 mm are used. The micro-parts produced in this route are characterized by high density and high precision. The technique enables nearly the same complexity and productivity as the traditional PM approach. All processes from the metal powder to the precision micro-parts will be described in detail. The results obtained suggest, that this powder metallurgy approach has a great potential to expand the limits of powder metallurgy towards micro-parts manufacturing.