Maheswaran Vattur Sundaram

Manufacturing of Valve Bridge Component Utilizing Lean Alloyed Powders and Vacuum Sintering

Abstract Increasing the application area of powder metallurgy (PM) steels for manufacturing of high-performance structural components results in material saving, reduction in energy consumption, etc. In this study, feasibility of the manufacturing of valve bridge component for heavy duty engine utilizing lean alloyed powders and novel vacuum sintering approach, followed by low pressure carburizing, is studied. Three low alloyed steel powders were processed by conventional uniaxial pressing and sintering at 1120 and 1250°C in industrial vacuum furnace. The components were tested under high cycle fatigue testing, simulating real conditions of operation. Fatigue properties did not show significant dependence on the sintering temperature and were comparable to currently used reference cast material. Fracture surfaces of broken samples were analyzed to detect crack initiations and fracture mechanisms as well as quality of sintering. Results showed preferentially ductile failure, well developed sintering necks and clean pore surfaces, indicating good sintering. Tested material in combination with novel vacuum sintering process show to be an attractive alternative for manufacturing of this type of components for heavy duty engine applications.

Effect of Alloying Type and Lean Sintering Atmosphere on the Performance of PM Components

Abstract In order to be cost effective and to meet increasing performance demands, powder metallurgy steel components require continuous improvement in terms of materials and process development. This study demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing structural components using two different alloys systems, i.e. lean Cr-prealloyed and diffusion bonded water atomised powders with different processing conditions. The components were sintered at two different temperatures, i.e. 1120 and 1250 °C for 30 minutes in three different atmospheres: vacuum, N2- 10%H2 atmosphere as well as lean N2-5%H2-0.5%CO-(0.1-0.4)%CH4 sintering atmosphere. Components after sintering were further processed by either low pressure carburizing, sinterhardening or case hardening. All trials were performed in the industrial furnaces to simulate the actual production of the components. Microstructure, fractography, apparent and micro hardness analyses were performed close to the surface and in the middle of the sample to characterize the degree of sintering (temperature and atmosphere) and the effect of heat treatment. In all cases, components possess mostly martensitic microstructure with a few bainitic regions. The fracture surface shows well developed sinter necks. Inter- and trans-granular ductile and cleavage fracture modes are dominant and their fraction is determined by the alloy and processing route.