FAQ - Alloying Methods

Q: What are the different alloying methods for ferrous metal powders?
A: ADMIXED: Iron powders are admixed with other elemental powders to produce the desired composition.
Examples:
  • Ancorsteel 1000 + 2 w/o Cu + 0.8 w/o graphite + 0.75 w/o lubricant (FC-0208)
  • Ancorsteel 1000B + 2 w/o Ni + 0.6 w/o graphite + 0.75 w/o lubricant (FN-0205)
A: PARTIALLY-ALLOYED (DIFFUSION ALLOYED): A powder in which the alloy addition or additions are metallurgically bonded to an elemental or pre-alloyed powder. Diffusion alloyed powders are partially-alloyed by means of a diffusion anneal.
Examples:
  • Distaloy AB (Distaloy 4600A)
  • Distaloy AE (Distaloy 4800A)
A: PRE-ALLOYED: Powders composed of two or more elements that are alloyed in the powder manufacturing process, in which the particles are of the same nominal composition throughout.
Examples:
  • Ancorsteel 4600V
  • Ancorsteel 2000
  • Ancorsteel 85 HP
  • Ancorsteel 150 HP
A: HYBRID ALLOY: Pre-alloyed or partially-alloyed powder with elemental or ferroalloy additions admixed to produce the desired composition.
Examples:
  • Ancorsteel 85 HP + 2 w/o Ni + 0.6 w/o graphite + 0.75 w/o lubricant
  • Distaloy AE + 2 w/o Ni + 0.6 w/o graphite + 0.75 w/o lubricant
  • Ancorsteel 85 HP + 1.3 w/o FeMn + 0.5 w/o graphite + 0.75 w/o lubricant
Q: What is the difference between sponge and atomized powders?
A: Sponge powder is produced from magnetite iron ore that is directly reduced at elevated temperatures to obtain sponge iron. The material is then disintegrated into powder and annealed to obtain the desired properties. Sponge iron has a very high surface area and exhibits high green strength. It is used for low and medium density ferrous P/M parts, approximately 5.4 g/cm³ to 6.7 g/cm³.

To produce atomized powders, molten steel is atomized into irregular and homogeneous particles which are then annealed. The melt stock and the subsequent processing are carefully controlled to produce uniform steel powders designed for P/M parts requiring densities over 6.7 g/cm³.