Sinter-Hard and Heat / Treat
Ferrous PM materials can be heat-treated by traditional austenitizing, quenching and tempering. In addition, PM components can be carburized and carbo-nitrided. Often the inter-connected porosity of the PM components promotes greater depth of carburization when compared to equal times with wrought materials. Proper control of the heat-treatment step is critical to the successful performance of a PM part.
Sinter hardening is a process in which hardening of the component is accomplished during an accelerated cooling from the sintering temperature. Tempering after sinter hardening is recommended to increase strength. Sinter hardening materials have higher alloy contents than the conventional heat-treat materials. Typical sinter hardening grades are Ancorsteel® 737SH, Ancorsteel® 721SH, Ancorsteel® 4600V.