Technical Papers and Discussions - Powder Metallurgy - Plastic Deformation in Metal-powder Compacts (Metals Techs., Feb. 1947, T.P. 2133 with discussion)

In powder metallurgy it has often been observed that shrinkage may occur in one direction and growth in another during sintering. Even in long-time sintering experiments the rate of shrinkage may be different in different parts of the compact. In the fabrication of some parts requiring a constant permeability it is even questionable in some cases whether pressing from one direction should be attempted. These observations require for their interpretation a more detailed study of green or pressed density than has heretofore been available. Usually average density measurements of the whole compact are made and in some cases carefully cut sections are measured. A different approach to the problem was first mentioned by Rakowskil and also used by Balshin.2 Balshin's diagram is reproduced in Fig I and schematically shows the result of pressing three layers of metal powder with fine intervening layers of graphite. The retarding effect of the die walls and a qualitative example of the density distribution is evident. More quantitative information about the distribution of density within a cold-pressed powder compact would be useful in showing the variation in density in as as influenced by the type of poKder, shape of die, lubricatioll during the process, and other variables. Furthermore, information about the cracking of cold-pressed compacts may be obtained from an analysis of the stress distribution within a, powder compact, and some information about the stress distribution can be obtained in turn from the derlsity and strain distributions. A more detailed report on some of the present experiments appears in reference 3. Present Investigation In order to ascertain the density gradients in cold-pressed metal powders, a deformable lead grid within the powder was employed. After pressing in cylindrical di" the ejected compact was radiographed, giving a pattern of the deformed grid. From the radiograph density and deformation from point to point is readily measured. From the radiograph strain distribution and stress trajectories were also determined. The latter also permits the determination of the coefficient of friction at the die wall. This technique indicates that the densest Part of a compact pressed from one side is at the top outer circumference and the least dense region at the bottom circumfercnce near the stationary plunger. For Some heights of compacts the density at the axis is such that the lower density is at the top rather than at the bottom. SO irregular a density distribution is due primarily to die-wall friction. As the ratio - diameter to height of compact is increased the die walls play a correspondingly smaller role. More uniform density