Powder Metal Production/Knife Steel Strength

Powder metal parts can be produced using a few different production methods. Each PM production company tends to specialize in using one form of production over another form. Each form of production has its' own benefits and drawbacks.

The five production types are:

1. Powder Metal Compaction
2. Powder Metal Forging
3. Metal Injection Molding
4. Powder Metal Extrusion
5. Metal Additive

PM Compaction is the most common type of PM forming. The advantages include low-cost in high quantities, variability of part configurations, and near-net shape part production. The drawbacks can be costly tooling, long lead times and development costs.

PM Forging is often used in conjunction with PM compaction. PM forging offers the customer a higher part density and increased part strength. Added tooling costs and production costs may be a drawback of the PM forging process.

Metal Injection Molding is often used to produce tiny, intricate parts. Fine part detail and minimal powder waste are some of the benefits of using the MIM process while tooling costs and slower production rates are some of the drawbacks of this method.

Powder Metal Extrusion is a new PM production method which provides the customer the ability to produce long linear shapes with good strength and low cost. Product development costs and slower production rates are some of the drawbacks of this new method.

Metal Additive or 3D printing is a new method of producing PM parts. This method provides low production costs for low quantities, no waste, and quick part development. The cost of the printing equipment and the slow production rate are some of the drawbacks.

You can find more information about PM production in our book, "Tool Steel Simplified"

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"Tool Steel Simplified" is 226 pages of valuable tool steel information, providing you with the resources necessary to produce high-quality tooling for your application.

This PDF download is written in an easy-to-understand format, providing the reader with a thorough understanding of tool steel and its' role in the tooling industry. This valuable resource can improve the quality of your tooling and reduce your downtime.

You can expect to learn about:

Toughness, wear resistance, hardness and red hardness properties of tool steel

Secondary properties of tool steel

Tool steel terminology and alloying elements

An introduction to the tool steel industries and uses

Proper heat treating of tool steel

Proper design, machining and grinding of tool steel

The methodology behind choosing the correct tool steel

Tool steel comparison charts and data sheets for common tooling grades

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You can learn more about knife steel, heat treating and developing strength in them in our book, "Knife Steel Simplified".

Improve the quality of your knives.

Just for the Knife Maker

For only $34.95, the cost of only one piece of knife steel, you will receive 152 pages of tool steel information devoted to the knife maker, engaged in the production of high-quality tool steel knives.

This PDF download is written in an easy-to-understand format, providing the reader with a thorough understanding of tool steel and its' role in the knife industry. The custom knife maker can now improve the quality of their knives and reduce the learning curve.

You can expect to learn about:

Toughness, wear resistance, hardness and corrosion resistance of knife steel

Machining and grinding of tool steel

Proper heat treating of knife steel to assure a high-quality blade

Steel comparison charts of common knife steel grades

Knife steel data sheets for many common knife steel grades

“Programmable” heat treating

10 Knife making tips for high-quality tool steel knives

Get your copy of "Knife Steel Simplified" here.