On the combined effect of lubrication and compaction temperature on properties of iron-based P/M parts

Addition of lubricant in the form of admixed with powder reduces friction between die wall and powder during compaction of P/M parts. However, it has detrimental effect on mechanical properties. On the other hand, warm compaction of powders improves density and hence, the mechanical properties of these parts. Die wall lubrication can be used along with warm compaction to avoid the disadvantages of the admixed lubricant while reducing the friction, and benefiting the advantages of warm compaction. In this study, the combined effect of warm compaction and die wall lubrication with various amounts of admixed lubricant has been examined. Compacts were made of admixed powders containing from 0 to 0.6% lithium stearate with the die wall lubricated by 1.5% emulsion of lithium stearate under two different pressing pressures of 500 and 650 MPa. The temperatures used were: RT, 130, 150 and 165 °C. It was found out that at both compaction pressures, reduction of admixed lubricant down to 0% increased the green density and mechanical properties of the sintered parts. For samples pressed at 500 and 650 MPa the increase in green density due to elimination of admixed lubricant and using die wall lubrication was 0.33 and 0.35 g/cm3, respectively. It was also found out that die wall lubrication is more effective in increasing green density at higher compaction pressures. Sinter density and mechanical properties increased by increasing compaction temperature up to 150 °C. Both parameters were deteriorated above this temperature for admixed powders, while it kept increasing for die wall lubrication.