Microstructure and property relationships in hipped Stellite powders

In the present paper the microstructure and properties of a range of hipped Stellite powders are investigated, the basic aim of the study being to generate a material/property database to facilitate alloy selection for potential applications involving net shape component manufacture. Particular attention is paid to the morphology, particle size distribution, and surface composition of the as atomised powders and their effect on subsequent consolidation. The consolidated powders are fully characterised in terms of microstructure and the composition and distribution of secondary phases. The effect of hipping temperature on the microstructure, hardness, and tensile properties of the powders are discussed in terms of the optimum processing temperature for the various alloys.