Powder Metals & Ceramics - Processes & Materials in Manufacturing

There are 2 processes that metal powders are created:

• Physical Process - Atomization
• Mechanical Process - Hammer and Ball Milling

Powder metallurgy is expensive because it yields parts that are accurate, precise, that are wear resistant.

To increase strength particles are sintered. This is a secondary process that will increase not only strength but also ductility and density.

The strength of a part is proportional to the porosity. A porous part will be more brittle. During sintering an alloy can be adding to help reduce the porosity.


Ceramics consist of metal and non-metal elements. They're crystalline materials. Hard and brittle.

Basic steps in manufacturing ceramic parts:

• Raw material
• Shaping
• Drying
• Sintering
• Finishing