FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MACHINABILITY OF SINTERED STEELS

Abstract

The machinability of powder metallurgy materials is considered to be poor. The mainfactors that deteriorate the machining of PM parts are introduced in this work. They arethose which participate in different ranges and modes in the formation of a sintered bodywith required mechanical and other characteristics. The effect of base iron powders, alloyingsystems, and alloying elements, as well as the effect of processing routes, especially solid-state sintering, are mentioned. The characteristic heterogeneous microstructures are pre- sented. The effect of porosity in terms of interrupted and deformation cutting theories is discussed and demonstrated. The main measures to improve machinability of PM materials are described.