Patent ID: 6534564
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: B22F

Abstract:
A method of making a metal based component comprised of the steps:(a) providing a metallurgical powder composition comprising: (i) at least about 85 weight percent, based on total weight of the metallurgical powder composition, of metal-based powder comprising metal-based particles wherein the metal based particles are substantially free of an iron phosphate layer; (ii) from about 0.001 to about 15 weight percent, based on total weight of the metallurgical powder composition, of at least one thermoplastic material wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonates, polyphenylene ethers, polyetherimides, polyethersulfones, polyamides, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, alkyd resins, cellulosic ester resins, cellulosic ether resins, polyurethanes, polyesters, and combinations thereof, and (b) compacting the metallurgical powder composition at a compaction temperature below about 65 degrees Centigrade to form a metal based component. (c) heat treating the metal based component at a temperature of up to a melting or degradation temperature of the thermoplastic material in order to cure the thermoplastic material.