Powder metallurgy — Vocabulary
1Key Takeaways
This document defines terms related to powder metallurgy. Powder metallurgy is the branch of metallurgy which relates to the manufacture of metallic powders, or of articles made from such powders with or without the addition of non-metallic powders, by the application of forming and sintering processes.
2Expert Interpretation
Comprehensive interpretation of ISO 3252:2023 international standard for powder metallurgy terminology, covering core terminology definitions such as metal powder characteristics, molding process, sintering technology, etc. Detailed explanation of the technical points and application scenarios of the standard update, and provide professional terminology comparison and implementation suggestions for the powder metallurgy industry.
Standard Overview and Technology Evolution
ISO 3252:2023 is the core terminology standard in the field of powder metallurgy. The sixth edition mainly adds new definitions and diagrams related to forming process compared to the 2019 edition. This standard systematically standardizes the professional terminology of the entire process from powder preparation, forming to sintering, providing a unified technical language for the global powder metallurgy industry.
Classification and analysis of core terms
| Classification | Term examples | Technical points |
|---|---|---|
| Powder properties | Agglomerates (3.1.2), apparent density (3.1.6) | Newly added advanced preparation process terms such as ultrasonic gas atomization powder (3.1.85) |
| Molding technology | Cold isostatic pressing (3.2.9), metal injection molding (3.2.59) | Definitions of complex molding systems such as strengthened multi-stage tool adapters (3.2.64) |
| Sintering process | Liquid phase sintering (3.3.32), sintering hardening (3.3.58) | Refine the pore classification standard (A/B/C pores) |
Comparison of key updated content
The 2023 version of the standard adds 12 terms such as vibration assisted forming (3.2.94-95) in the forming chapter to reflect the technological development of the industry:
- Forming equipment: Improve the diagram of the multi-stage hydraulic press adapter (Figure 12)
- Process control: Add the definition of the back pressure top punch holding pressure (3.2.21) parameter
- Defect prevention: Clarify the formation mechanism of delamination cracks (3.2.53)
Implementation suggestions and application cases
For the cemented carbide industry, the standard specifically regulates professional concepts such as binder phase(3.3.7):
- Sintering process control needs to distinguish between A/B/C type pores (3.3.2/10/18)
- Metal injection molding (MIM) should strictly follow the debinding (3.2.22) process specifications
- Powder property testing needs to be verified using a standard flow meter (3.1.40)
Standard extended application
This standard and 12 supporting standards such as ISO 4499-4 (determination of porosity of cemented carbide) form a complete technical system. It is recommended that enterprises establish:
- Terminology comparison database (including English and French bilingual versions)
- Mapping relationship table between process parameters and standard terms
- Standard terminology training mechanism for new employees