Modelling of process parameters on the working of P/M copper preforms

Powder metallurgy (P/M) manufacturing route has wide industrial applications due to a host of techno-economic advantages. However, defects free and superior products can be obtained only if the process parameters are carefully controlled during forming. Moreover, in metal forming processes conducting trial experiments is costlier and time consuming as well. Hence modelling technique provides effective control in scaling down costs. Mathematical models were developed for P/M working process, using regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in order to study the main and interaction effects of process parameters, viz., strain rate, preform density and temperature. The adequacies of the developed models were verified by calculating correlation coefficient. These models can be effectively used to predict the strength coefficient (K) and strain-hardening exponent (n) and subsequently to estimate the flow stress of P/M copper preforms.