Copper Infiltration Using Wrought Wire Infiltrant-Process and Productivity Improvements for Automotive Components

As the PM industry continues to introduce new, higher performance materials and processes, a bold new approach to copper infiltration has impacted the use of this mature PM process technology. A new, wrought copper alloy wire product offers an excellent infiltration response for both the standard FX-1008 PM steel grade as well with low alloy and tool steel grades. A complete set of mechanical properties for several levels of infiltrant and skeletal densities are provided. Comparisons with conventional compacted powdered infiltrant and property data published in MPIF Standard 35 are also offered. The processing advantages and productivity improvements associated with this new infiltration technology, as compared to the more conventional infiltration methods using powdered performs are discussed. The impact of this technology on two automotive component examples products are provided.