Full Density PM Benefits

Full Density offers significant benefits when compared to conventional powder metal processes. Typically achieving 97% to 99%+ of theoretical densities, these components are equivalent to most castings and approach wrought product properties. They provide strength, ductility, and corrosion and wear resistance that are unmatched in the PM industry.

More specifically, engineers are able to design components with:

Improved Strength
Ultimet 16, the Full Density equivalent to 316L, possesses slightly higher tensile strengths than CF 8M (Cast 316), and 25% to 40% higher tensile strengths than equivalent PM alloys

Excellent Ductility
Superior to cold rolled 316L, Ultimet 16 matches Cast 316's outstanding ductility; The ductility of Full Density stainless steel is 25% higher than its closest conventional PM counterpart

Superior Corrosion Resistance
Approaching corrosion rates of wrought 316L, Ultimet 16 will survive environments that will significantly deteriorate conventional PM stainless steel

Outstanding Wear Resistance
The homogenous network of complex carbides created in Full Density tool steels provides an outstanding wear surface

Superior Machinability
Full Density tool steels provide a more uniform material for machining, including milling, drilling, turning and grinding, due to the lack of imperfections such as carbide banding, oxide inclusions, and sulfide stringers typically found in wrought or cast tool steels

Reduced Assemblies
Full Density may use liquid phase sintering to combine several parts into a single, more complex, component