P/M Aluminium Structural Parts for Automotive Application

摘要

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in development of P/M aluminium alloys and components, especially for automotive applications. These light weight materials are expected to replace sintered iron and steel parts in automobiles in order to reduce weight, increase fuel efficiency and also reduce exhaust emission. The presentation will give an overview of the objectives of the current joint research project sponsored by the BMBF. Hypereutectic Al-Si-alloys produced by powder metallurgy are most promising because of their superior properties (hardness and strength, low thermal expansion, wear resistance) and the ability to tailor these properties for particular applications (e.g. oil pump rotors). However, it must be shown that each application is technical feasible as well as cost effective in order to introduce mass production of P/M Al-Si-alloys. In this context, the press-and-sinter P/M offering net shape and inexpensive manufacturing will be considered.