Those in the industry know that powdered metal is one of the best options for producing distinct component parts. It is a metal-forming process that first compresses the powder and then heats it as much as possible without reaching the melting point. The finished product is dense, strong, and highly sought after for many different reasons.
This article will explore why powder metallurgy is so beneficial for gears and bearings.
Outstanding Physical Properties
When you want to achieve long-lasting results with your components, you need to know that you can trust them to deliver a solid performance. And you can always count on powdered metal to go the distance.
A few of the physical properties of parts that are created with this include:
- A high degree of hardness
- Wear resistance
- Incredible strength
- Cratering-resistant
- Beautiful finish
By using powdered metal, you have more control over the finished product and just how distinct these qualities are within it. This, of course, takes into consideration the size of the particles found in the powdered metal and the amount of the binder used in the process.
Cost Effective
One of the biggest reasons for the solid growth in popularity that powdered metal has received is the fact that it is so cost-effective.
The cost to make powdered metal gears and bearings is less for several reasons. For instance, the process using this method is much more efficient than other available options. It uses between 95% and 100% of the metal, resulting in very minimal scrap or waste. This is much lower than what you will find with other metal-forming processes.
The money that is saved from manufacturing the component parts can then be passed on to customers. For manufacturing plants looking for an ideal option for their product, those made with powdered metal are proving to be highly effective while requiring the least amount of expense.
While this may sound too good to be true, it actually is true.
Create the Most Precise Designs
When it comes to creating gears and bearings that will fit the precise need, there isn’t anything that seems to work as well as powdered metal. Even those that are very complex and require meticulous machining are best done this way. The result is always high quality with much uniformity and consistency.
An Eco-Friendly Process
In nearly every industry, finding ways of doing things that need to get done in the most efficient way possible is so important, especially as it pertains to sustainability and the environment. While some have regulations in place, others are just starting to make a difference where they can — not necessarily because they have to but because they want to.
Many manufacturers look to reduce their carbon footprint by taking steps to go green and seek out environmentally-friendly practices. Purchasing the component parts they need that are made from this method allows them to stick to these principles.
It is just one more reason why powdered metal is well-suited for gears and bearings.
Atlas Bronze provides solutions to all your metal needs and has established itself as a leading distributor of bronze, copper, brass, iron, sintered products, self-lubricated bushings, and wear plates in the United States.
