| Scope |
Over the decades, powder metallurgy (PM) has gained significant industrial importance, owing to the unique capabilities of these processes. The near-net-shape capabilities of PM can significantly reduce energy and cost associated with machining, forming, and joining operations in addition to cutting down on the amount of scrap material that is produced. Additionally, many PM processes are done primarily or entirely in the solid state. This allows for processing of certain alloys and composites, microstructural engineering, and other processing methods that are problematic or impossible with melt-based processes. However, with the unique capabilities of PM come unique challenges in powder production and handling, binder/lubricant incorporation and removal, compaction, densification, microstructural control, contamination, defects, etc. Furthermore, even for the time-tested industrial PM processes, there is continual need for further understanding and optimizing the process stream.
This symposium will cover the aspects of conventional PM processes and alloys at every step along the process stream, with an aim at improving efficiency, sustainability, performance, and/or economics of the products. Example topics include, but are not limited to, powder production, compaction, binder/lubricant development and implementation, debinding, sintering, post-sintering processing, microstructural evolution/engineering, characterization of powder/feedstock and/or final products, qualification of powder/feedstock and/or final products, and energy/cost modeling. Presentations and posters on either modeling or experimental efforts are encouraged, particularly those detailing a combined modeling and experimental approach. |