Optimization of Machining Operations of Parts Made of High Performance Alloyed Powders

Although powder metallurgy is a near net shape process, a large number of the steel parts produced today require a secondary shaping operation. Moreover, tool manufacturers have often neglected the P/M industry to a point that it is still very difficult to find guidelines regarding tool selection, surface speed and feed rate required for performing various machining operations. Even though quantitative data derived from “drilling tests” are increasingly available, their interpretation cannot readily be applied to other machining processes or types of powder. This paper will present new approaches in P/M machinability improvement as well as machining charts for turning and drilling of sinter-hardenable parts.