Adequate use of Master Alloys (MA) as a means for obtaining high performance PM steels is based on the need to fulfil several requirements. In contrast to pre-alloying, MA's are firstly aimed at providing alloying while preserving the compressibility of the main constituent base powder. But additionally, issues like economy, oxidation protection of the alloying elements in as conventional as possible sintering atmospheres, as well as microstructural and properties development must also be reached within industrial sintering conditions and capabilities. In the last decade, and particularly centred on the development of Mn-PM steels, a great deal of research has been performed although in many instances efforts have frequently missed the basic targets that would lead to the advantageous use of MA. Supported on the design and development of MA and high performance steels the present work is therefore aimed as a contribution to clarify this concept and its industrial application.
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