[SIS1] Powder Production

[14C-SIS1-03] Powder Flowability Evaluation with Die Filling Testing Devices

*T. Sawayama^{1, 2}, H. Ioka^{3, 2}, Y. Ueda^{4, 2}, K. Uemoto^{5, 2}, S. Saito^{6, 2}, N. Hirose^{7, 2} (1.Kobe Steel, Ltd., Japan, 2.Japan Powder Metallurgy Association, Japan, 3.Diamet Corporation, Japan, 4.Fine Sinter Co., Ltd., Japan, 5.Sumitomo Electric Sintered Alloy, Ltd., Japan, 6.JFE Steel Corporation, Japan, 7.Höganäs Japan K.K., Japan)

Keywords:powder flowability, die filling, evaluation method

Commonly flow rate (ISO 4490, JIS Z2502, MPIF 3) is used to evaluate powder flow. However, it may not be possible to measure flow rate because powder is not discharged from the orifice, and sometimes flow rate does not correspond to the actual production of parts such as productibility or weight variation.
We conducted measurements using evaluation devices which are close to the actual die filling of pressing machines, owned by three powder producing member companies. The powders used for this evaluation were those used in actual production by three member companies who manufacture components.
As a result, it was found that appropriate quantitative evaluation is possible within the range of standard parameter conditions. On the other hand, it was also found that valid evaluations could not be obtained outside this range.
We would like to discuss the possibility of standardization by further limiting parameter conditions.