Optimised selection of processing routes for sintered parts manufacture: A component-oriented approach

Paper in proceeding, 2009

To stay competitive, PM manufacturers have to be able to accept a wide range of components with different features and properties. Thus, it is of utmost importance for manufacturers to adapt their common process routes to new requirements as rapidly and economical as possible. The procedure of identifying the right route among all the alternatives requires abundance of experience and knowledge and is a crucial and time-consuming decision; usually made by a team of engineers. In this study, by considering the mechanical properties and design specifications of the final component, a simple methodology is developed to aid the engineer(s) in selection of the optimum PM process route. In order to sort the possible routes according to cost, a cost estimating module has been devised. The total concept is applied to a case study and its accuracy has been evaluated.