The new report, which is entitled “Powder Metallurgy – Intrinsically Sustainable”, details the contributions PM makes to sustainable manufacturing, such as using recycled steel and copper scrap as raw materials for metal powders produced annually in North America – with 85% of all PM grade metal powders produced from these recycled materials.
The report says that a 312 g PM steel truck-transmission notch segment requires only six steps in the PM manufacturing process, compared to 17 steps when making the same part at 300 grams by forging and machining. PM also uses less energy at 1.243 kWh per piece compared to 2.847 kWh for the forged part.
The net-shape feature of the PM process also eliminates the waste associated with machining that can result in as much as 40% of materials being machined away and discarded. While machining scrap can be recycled, it is extraneous to the final part and is a net loss to its material and energy eco-efficiency. On the other hand, PM offers a 95% material utilization rate, and uses less energy than cold and warm extrusion, hot forging, and machining, the report suggests.
The report was issued as part of the federation’s Sustainability Initiative, which has also brought into being a new "green" logo supporting the sustainability claim in various promotions.
