Method of preparingiron-based components

Abstract

The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of high density green compacts comprising the steps of providing an iron-based powder essentially free from fine particles; optionally mixing said powder with graphite and other additives; uniaxially compacting the powder in a die at a compaction pressure of at least about 800 MPa and ejecting the green body. The invention also concerns the powder used in the method.

1 . A powder composition comprising: 
 an iron or iron-based powder wherein less than about 5% of the powder particles have a size below 45 μm; and    0.1-1.0% by weight of graphite.    
     
     
         2 . The powder composition of  claim 1 , further comprising about 0.05 to 0.6% by weight of a lubricant.  
     
     
         3 . The powder composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least 50% of the iron-based powder particles have a particle size above about 106 μm.  
     
     
         4 . The powder composition of  claim 3 , wherein at least 60% of the iron-based powder particles have a particle size above about 106 μm.  
     
     
         5 . The powder composition of  claim 3 , wherein at least 70% of the iron-based powder particles have a particle size above about 106 μm.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein at least 50% of the iron-based powder particles have a particle size above about 212 μm.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising additives selected from the group consisting of alloying elements Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Co, W, Nb, Ti, Al, P, S and B, machinability enhancing agents, hard phase materials and flow agents.