Powder metallurgy sintering atmosphere is an important factor affecting the performance of sintered products

Powder Metallurgy is a very important material preparation technology, and the atmosphere control during the sintering process has a direct impact on the performance of the final product. Protective atmosphere, controlled atmosphere and air atmosphere have their own characteristics and application fields. Choosing the appropriate sintering atmosphere is the key to ensuring product quality. In the actual production process, the most suitable sintering atmosphere is selected according to the specific requirements of the product and material properties.

The protective atmosphere is mainly used to prevent oxidation of sintered parts, reduce oxides on the surface of powder particles, and remove gas and moisture adsorbed on the surface of powder particles. Commonly used protective atmospheres include hydrogen, decomposed ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrogen and vacuum.

Controlled atmosphere is converted from hydrocarbons and can be used to control the carbon content in sintered products. It is divided into exothermic and endothermic atmospheres. The exothermic atmosphere can be used for the sintering of low carbon steel and copper products, while the concentrated exothermic atmosphere can be used to prevent oxidation of iron-based and copper-based parts and reduce decarburization of iron-based parts. The endothermic atmosphere is a controllable atmosphere with stronger reducing properties and higher carbon potential. It is mainly used as a protective atmosphere during the sintering of iron-based parts and copper-based parts.

Air atmosphere is mainly used for sintering through a certain amount of air gas in the sintering furnace. It is generally used for sintered products of small complex metal parts and ceramic materials.