| Powder metallurgy (P/M) processing has become an important technique replacing many casting applications, especially for the fabrication of refractory metals where very high melting temperatures are required. Improvement in powder production, cleanliness and characterization techniques, combined with an increased understanding of basic compaction and sintering principles and a need for metals with high strength to weight ratios has led to an increased interest in titanium powder utilization. P/M techniques for Ti-6Al-4V powder can enable the production of high quality parts at lower processing temperatures and cost. For most applications prealloyed powder produced by the hydride-dehydride process (HDH) is used, due to the lower cost of this powder as compared to Ti-6Al-4V powder produced by other methods.;General characterization of a Ti-6Al-4V HDH powder and the effects of using a zinc stearate on the green and sintered density were examined at different compaction pressures and sintering temperatures. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
