New approach to the manufacture of complex shaped parts

Objective

The proposed project aims to develop an innovative approach to the production of low- cost, complex-shaped engineering components. Industrial sectors, particularly automotive, are continually seeking to reduce manufacturing costs. A preferred route that minimises wastage of raw materials is the near-net shaping, powder metallurgy process. However, PM is incapable of producing complex shapes unless the parts are machined after sintering. This is always expensive due to the hardness of the heat-treated materials demanding careful machining procedures. The proposed research aims to develop effective techniques for machining powder compacts before sintering. This will require novel approaches to powder pressing, clamping, machining procedures, tooling and lubrication but success will be rewarded by significant savings in time, materials, tools and, therefore, cost.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-1. - Key Action Innovative Products, Processes and Organisation

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN

Address

2,Kasteelpartk Arenberg, 44
3001 Heverlee
Belgium

Participants (11)

ASSA A.B.

Sweden

Address

Kungsgatan 71
63105 Eskilstuna

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Rue De La Physique 101, Enspg
38402 Saint-martin-d'heres

EGA SINTER LTD

United Kingdom

Address

Low's Lane
DE7 4QU Ikeston (Derbyshire)

ELEMENT SIX LIMITED

Ireland

Address

Shannon Airport
Shannon

GOTTLIEB GUEHRING KG

Germany

Address

12,Winterlinger Str. 12
72488 Sigmaringen

HOEGANAES AB

Sweden

Address

263 83 Hoeganaes

INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLE

France

Address

101,Rue De La Physique 101 Domaine Universitaire
38402 Saint-martin-d'heres

PLATIT ADVANCED COATINGS SYSTEMS SWISS MADE AG

Switzerland

Address

Moosstrasse 68
2540 Grenchen

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN*

Germany

Address

Pascalstrasse 8-9
10587 Berlin

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

United Kingdom

Address

University Park
NG7 2RD Nottingham

VOITH TURBO GMBH AND CO KG

Germany

Address

Alexanderstrasse 2, Marktbereich Schiene
89522 Heidenheim