PM-MACH: New approach to the manufacture of complex shaped parts

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0330

Key words (English)

Economic Aspects; Environmental Protection; Industrial Manufacture; Innovation; Technology Transfer; Safety

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: G1RD-CT-2002-00687

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.3.1 Innovative products, processes and organization

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

The proposed project aims to develop an innovative approach to the production of low- cost, complex-shaped engineering components. Industrial sectors, particularly automotive, are continually seeking to reduce manufacturing costs. A preferred route that minimises wastage of raw materials is the near-net shaping, powder metallurgy process. However, PM is incapable of producing complex shapes unless the parts are machined after sintering. This is always expensive due to the hardness of the heat-treated materials demanding careful machining procedures. The proposed research aims to develop effective techniques for machining powder comp acts before sintering. This will require novel approaches to powder pressing, clamping, machining procedures, tooling and lubrication but success will be reward ed by significant savings in time, materials, tools and, therefore, cost.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0330