In recent years, powder metallurgy scholars pay more attention to the material with nano and composite properties,
while ignored the base material and the process of an expanding role in the field of powder metallurgy. Copper has
played an important role in the field of powder metallurgy, and will continue to promote its development.
The application of copper in powder metallurgy
Copper has good thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance and mechanical
properties. Copper is easy to be processed into complex shapes and filaments. Architects often use its bright red and
verdigris after the eroded as buildings, ceiling decoration and outdoor.
In the field of powder metallurgy, pure copper powder is used to produce electronic and thermal conductive parts.
Copper alloy containing tin, zinc, nickel, iron or is widely used in automobile, lawn park equipment, tools, and
electronic industry. Copper powder is mostly used in self-lubricating bearing.
Important and characteristic application of copper powder is in the powder metallurgy field. In the field the
material is not obtained by melting and casting.For example, dispersion strengthening Cu_Al2O3 used for
strengthening and manufacturing welding electrodes (used in automobile and other industries), used in electronic field
the W_Cu and Mo_Cu, such material needs to control its porosity.Self_lubricating bearings and filters are the typical
applications of powder metallurgy.The materials required to control the appropriate porosity to make oil content reach
excellent lubricating effect.
By metal injection molding process copper powder can be produced into complex shapes of electrical and
electronic components, the product has good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.We can use high pure
copper powder, by improving the final density of parts to improve the electrical conductivity and thermal
conductivity.
Powder metallurgy products
In the United States, use water atomization and gas atomization and oxidation reduction method to produce copper
powder, its shape is spherical or irregular.Atomized powder physical properties (such as apparent density, liquidity,
particle size and green strength) associated with process conditions,Such as: certain additives, melting temperature,
spray pressure, reduction temperature and the post_processing of powder. After oxidation reduction powder’s median
diameter is 10 microns, apparent density is less than 1.5 g/cm3, green density is greater than 20 mpa. After
atomization, powder particle size and reduction temperature is the key factor that determine powder products.
Atomization and REDOX powder is essentially the same in the application with the electrolytic copper powder,
application exceptions is the need of dendritic powder and very low apparent density.
CuPb and CuPbSn bearing used in automobile, turbine, thrust washer and industrial pump devices, Ppwder cover
on the steel substrate, by sintering and rolling reaches a certain density, final product porosity is less than 0.25%.
produce brass powder and nickel silver alloy powder with atomization , zinc content in brass powder in 10% ~ 30%,
and sometimes lead was added to improve the mechanical properties. It is applied in lock parts, instrument pointer and
driving equipment. Because of the brass beautiful color, it is used for decorative metal medals.A lot of powder
metallurgy parts indicates that the use of copper base in powder metallurgical is very potential and creative.
Current development
Due to the copper powder beautiful color and excellent properties of anti atmospheric corrosion, copper powder used
for ornamental purposes. For example: furniture, the outer layer of structures, walls and roofing materials. Copper
powder metallurgy parts in the field of such application should also be considered. Now, parts made from copper
powder copper base alloy powder with higher pressure and the bigger size are also used in the field.A lot of forging
and casting of copper and copper alloy parts need machining. Lead is often added to these products to improve the cutting performance of copper. Lead alloy bearing parts processing is becoming increasingly difficult, many
countries are forcing to reduce the content of lead. Powder metallurgy parts almost don’t need machining, its inherent
manufacturing is used to replace many lead malleable cast pieces. These parts will involve fuse frame, welding
electrodes, valves, fasteners and transmission parts.
