This study will examine the metallurgical and mechanical enhancements achieved through the combination of high performance alloy systems and high temperature sintering. In addition, it will show how these benefits can be exploited to produce superior parts economically. High performance silicon-containing P/M steels sintered at 1150 to 1343 °C (2100 to 2450 °F) will be used to explore these property enhancements. These silicon-containing P/M steels yield excellent properties when sintered above 1260 °C (2300 °F) and are capable of attaining high apparent hardnesses .