The feasibility of rigid die bidimensional compression for consolidation of metal powders

The need to consider applied bidimensional stress fields for the consolidation of metal powders is supported by its absence in the literature. In this study, the feasibility of rigid-die bidimensional compression for the consolidation of metal powders is assessed. The apparatus is developed and tested as well as the success of the technique.

The apparatus developed is suitable for laboratory use. The limitations arise from the hydraulic system capacity (50*000 pounds force maximum), the friction between all of the moving parts (especially between the specimen and dies), and the absence of control over the movement of the individual components within the system.

Aluminum based powders are used to determine the success of the consolidation technique. The commercially pure aluminum, A1-123, powder developed mechanical properties equivalent to wrought 1060 aluminum. The alloyed powder, MB85, is intended for use in metal matrix composites with silicon carbide. The powder is used without reinforcement in this study. The baseline mechanical properties are not available for comparison, but the results of the tensile tests conducted in this study are encouraging.

The conditions providing maximum density range from room temperature to 450°C (840°F) and 300 MPa (43 ksi) to 63 MPa (9 ksi), respectively; all at a pressing time of 15 seconds.