2. Production of sintered and machined parts

2.1 General production organization

Powder metallurgy is the basis for the production of sintered parts used in general mechanics, power transmissions, and so on. The manufacturing process consists of two stages: a powder compression stage in a die, followed by a heating stage called sintering. This process can be completed by heat treatment. The first stage involves a press. It is the tool or die that determines the shape and dimensions of the final part. The result is a "green" part. In the second stage, the parts are held at temperature for a certain time, e.g. 800°C for ten to twenty minutes for steels. This entire process enables the mass production of finished cylindrical parts, which are fit for use in many cases. This production process enables very high daily quantities to...