Low-level demagnetization as preparation process for shaping of metal powder parts

28 September 2010
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An important cost factor in the production of metal powder pressed parts for the automotive industry are the punches and dies, which are usually made of sintered tungsten carbides and often provided with wear resistant coatings. These tools are subject to strong mechanical wear, and hence have a limited life.

Continuous developments in the field of powder metallurgy allow the production of parts with increasingly narrower dimensions and weight, at an ever increasing rate of production. Complex parts with thin walls can be manufactured today by use of multi-stage press adapters and tools. The residual magnetic fields amplified in small air gaps, will thus impact progressively the compacting process of ferromagnetic powders.

 

This paper discusses the advantages of using completely demagnetized tools in the ferromagnetic powder compacting process.