Increased force provides new sintering options

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 2, 2003

A new business unit claims to take powder metal technology to a new level, allowing engineers to produce cost-effective powder metal parts they formerly only imagined.

An engineer's imagination often produces ideas that simply aren't feasible with today's technology.

Now imagine if you could transform parts, previously only made from bar stock or forgings, into a myriad of shapes and sizes.

The equivalent is here, with the introduction of Lovejoy Sintered Technologies, a new business division formed under the Lovejoy global corporate umbrella.

The new business unit takes powder metal technology to a new level, so engineers can now produce cost-effective powder metal parts they formerly only imagined, while satisfying a demand for density and high-strength performance.

Lovejoy Sintered Technologies recently completed installation of a state-of-the-art powdered metal press that offers clients a greater level of precision and superior part density compared to conventional compaction methods.

Acting in concert, these capabilities yield components far superior structurally and geometrically, with better physical and mechanical properties than standard powder metal parts.

Additionally, clients will benefit from economical advantages of reduced setup and changeover times compared to conventional compaction.

The new press uses digital technology to compact materials with higher and more uniform densities, which creates powder metal components with superior strength and lends precision to exacting engineering specifications and part dimensions.

Lovejoy Sintered Technologies couples this world-class technology with more than thirty years of experience processing powdered metal products with conventional compaction techniques, to offer clients superior service and knowhow.

The new compaction press utilises digital technology to measure powdered metal by weight, enabling precision measurements consistent to within 0.04g, regardless of part size.

This compares to typical powdered metal weight variation that can range substantially using conventional feed chute die loading methods.

Once the powder is accurately measured and introduced to the press, a special technique fluidises the powder, offering uniform distribution of the powder throughout the mould for more uniform density and increased structural strength.

During compaction, the new powdered metal press produces density levels that approach that of materials made from bar stock and forgings.

Various materials are pressed up to 7.6g/cm3, compared to conventional capabilities in the low 7.0g/cm3 range.

"In linear terms, this doesn't seem like a great difference, however structurally this is a quantum leap", said Woody Haddix, Division President.

Many industries can benefit from the superior new technological capabilities offered by the new digital press.

"Most companies are searching for ways in which to improve product performance without adding costs", says Haddix.

"Consequently, they are pushing the design envelope.

This is where our technology can provide a significant advantage.

Our powder metal parts are more precise and structurally superior to conventional powder metal parts".

The new corporate division, Lovejoy Sintered Technologies, will be housed under the roof of the current Lovejoy corporate headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Principal officers include Woodrow Haddix, President and Jim Krecji, Vice President of Operations.