Engineered Solutions to Powertrain Applications Using Powder Metallurgy (P/M) Technology

With automobile groups examining current product systems for improvements in cost and performance, the advantages of the Powder Metallurgy process over others become difficult to ignore. In this paper, we study several conversions from other processes to the P/M process, along with P/M solutions, as the only sensible alternative to a complex application. All of the examples reviewed are current automotive production components. Early discussion will focus on a tilt steering column requirement for which P/M is the only cost effective, dimensionally, and physically capable solution. We then evaluate both cost and product quality benefits of Powder Metallurgy realized in several conversion programs.