During the last decade Powder Forging, a technique by which very precise components of high mechanical integrity and requiring minimal machining can be produced, has been the subject of intensive development activity.
Powder Forging has now reached maturity; many parts are in volume commercial production, and all indications are that growth prospects are excellent. Users of parts are becoming increasingly aware of the machining, labour, investment and energy savings that can arise from adoption of the process.
GKN Forgings Limited now has about thirty parts in commercial production, and a new self-contained operating Company has been established devoted entirely to Powder Forging.
The paper reviews the current status of Powder Forging and describes by reference to actual components the economic and technical factors that dictate the types of parts that are best suited to manufacture by this method.
Future growth predictions for Powder Forgings are discussed. Internal developments and external influences that could effect, and possibly increase this growth rate are reviewed.