Sintered metal is a versatile material that can be used in various applications.
But can it be machined?
Yes, sintered metal can be machined.
However, the need for machining is often reduced due to the high degree of control and precision offered by the sintering process itself.
4 Key Points to Know About Machining Sintered Metal
1. Machinability of Sintered Metal
Sintered metal parts can undergo various machining processes.
These include threading, boring, milling, drilling, turning, tapping, and broaching.
These processes are essential for achieving specific shapes, dimensions, or surface finishes that might not be fully attainable through the sintering process alone.
However, the sintering process itself is highly controlled and capable of producing parts with tight tolerances, which reduces the need for extensive machining.
2. Reduction in Machining Needs
The sintering process offers a high degree of control over size and hardness.
This allows for the production of complex shapes and parts with minimal need for further machining.
This is due to the ability of sintering to reduce surface porosity and enhance metal properties such as conductivity, corrosion resistance, and tensile strength.
As a result, parts produced through sintering often require less post-processing compared to parts produced through other metalworking techniques.
3. Enhancements to Machinability
Operations such as structural infiltration and resin or plastic impregnation are used to improve the machinability of sintered parts.
Structural infiltration not only improves strength and reduces porosity but also enhances ductility and machinability.
Similarly, resin or plastic impregnation helps in preparing the surface for plating processes and sealing the part, making it liquid or gas tight, which can facilitate easier machining.
4. Grinding Processes
Grinding processes like honing, lapping, and polishing are also applicable to sintered metal parts.
These processes are crucial for achieving high-precision parts, especially in applications where surface quality and dimensional tolerances are critical.
They further enhance their surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
Continue Exploring, Consult Our Experts
While sintered metal can be machined, the advanced capabilities of the sintering process often reduce the necessity for extensive machining.
This not only saves time and cost but also enhances the overall quality and performance of the metal parts.
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