Traditional casting and machining methods involve costly significant machining operations that waste both material and energy. P/M alleviates that problem by combining a variety of raw materials specifically configured by an engineer to control mechanical and magnetic properties. The powder metal is compacted in a die then sintered at high temperatures in a controlled atmosphere to form a solid. It is especially useful in making parts that have irregular curves or recesses.

WHY POWDER METALLURGY
Powder metallury (P/M) is a very cost-effective method of producing even the most intricate parts for consumer and industrial applications. P/M has the advantage of needing limited or no additional processing, resulting in a savings of up to 90% in raw materials and production costs over more traditional casting and machining methods.
Blending Combines metal powders or alloys with lubricants
Briquetting Compresses metal powders or alloys
Sintering Bonds individual particles into a mass
Repressing Presses sintered part into desired size and shape
Infiltrating Fills pores of sintered part with metal or alloy having a lower melting point
Impregnation Fills pores of sintered part with lubricant
Heat Treating Heats sintered part in protective atmosphere and oil quench, improving hardness and strength