Recent Technology of Sintered Metals for Automotive Use

Some recent P/M technologies for autcmotive use in Japan were discussed. Several years ago, P/M replaced cast materials for exhaust valve seat in gasoline engine when unleaded gasoline was introduced, and today new P/M materials which can be used for dieser engine have been developed. P/M forging is not so grown-up in Japan because of its economical problems. Instead of such a conventional P/M foging, low cost new powder forging process using swarf powder from cast turnings has been developed. On the other hand, new type of high strength and nigh ductility sintered steels based on newly developed sintering and alloying techniques have come into practical use as heavy duty structural components.