At PSM Industries, we make sintered metal parts (also known as powder metal) that meet high standards for quality, precision, and performance. Metal sintering is a manufacturing method that transforms powdered metal into solid, durable parts. This process produces components with consistent dimensions and reliable properties, making them ideal for demanding applications. If you need reliable powder metal (PM) parts for your projects, PSM Industries has the expertise to deliver exactly what you need.
The Sintering Process: Step by Step
Compacting the Powder
The first step in creating sintered metal parts is compacting the powdered metal into the desired shape. This is done using precise molding presses. At this stage, the part is called a “green” compact. It holds the shape but doesn’t yet have the full strength of solid metal.Sintering
The green compact is then heated in a controlled furnace to just below the melting point of the metal. Heat causes the metal particles to bond together through diffusion, creating a solid, dense part. This is the core of the metal sintering process and the stage that turns PM parts into strong, usable components.Post-Sintering Finishing
After sintering, parts often require finishing to meet exact specifications. PSM Industries offers operations such as heat treatment, resin or oil impregnation, grinding, CNC machining, and plating. These steps improve strength, precision, and surface quality, ensuring that every part meets the requirements of your application.Advantages of Sintered Metal Parts
Sintered metal (PM) parts provide several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. They allow for complex shapes that would be difficult or expensive to machine. Parts are dimensionally consistent, which means less rework and higher efficiency. Material waste is minimal since the process uses virtually all the metal powder. And properties can be adjusted through material selection and post-processing, making sintered parts versatile for many industries.Applications Across Industries
PSM Industries produces PM parts for a wide range of applications:- Automotive: gears, bushings, splines, housings, bearings
- Industrial machinery: sprockets, valve seats, housings
- Electronics: magnetic cores, conductive components
- Consumer goods: small mechanical parts, specialty fasteners
