| Production of components via powder metallurgy has many potential advantages when compared to producing them via conventional methods, such as machining from billets. Some of these advantages include: 1. Huge potential savings in production by using powder metallurgy which is geared towards mass production 2. The flexibility to produce compositions not possible by other methods e.g. metals and non-metals, as well as metal-metal combinations 3. Powder metallurgy is a near nett shape forming process, meaning that in many cases no finishing operations are requited. Further the dimensional accuracy possible is quite high 4. Raw materials easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive 5. Repeatability across parts is normal meaning consistent properties and dimensions for components 6. The number of operations required to produce a finished part is often less than other fabrication methodologies 7. Parts can be manufactured with controlled porosity. Further, it is possible to infiltrate these pores either with other materials e.g. lower melting point metals or lubricants 8. The process generates very little scrap 9. Potentially very high production rates, especially compared to machining 10. Parts can be manufactured with excellent wear resistant properties and friction co-efficients 11. Parts have sound and vibration damping properties 12. Powder metallurgy can produce geometries not possible by processes such as machining 13. Parts have good chemical homogeneity 14. Powder metallurgy can also be used for fabrication of magnetic components, as well as controlling magnetic properties to some degree. 15. The time taken to take a part from concept to production using powder metallurgy is often quite short which has economic benefits |