Controlled Porosity Levels in PM Stainless Steel Tooling

摘要

A unique powder consolidation process has been developed for manufacturing controlled porosity levels in stainless steels used for plastic injection molding applications. Interconnected uniformly dispersed porosity levels can be manufactured to improve the venting and/or cooling of plastic injection molding tools. Reduced cycle time and improved part quality can result in significant cost reductions. Varying porosity levels in consolidated stainless steel gas atomized powders can be achieved by controlling consolidation temperatures, pressure and time to a density range of 70 to 95% of theoretical. The semi-quasi isostatic consolidation process which utilizes a hydraulic forging press will be described. Mechanical properties and microstructures of consolidated material will also be discussed.