Patent ID: 8636948
Filing Date: 2014-01-28
Classification: C22C

Abstract:
1. A method of making powder metallurgy parts using iron-based infiltration comprising the steps of: a. providing an infiltrant, the infiltrant comprising a first iron-based alloy system comprising a first iron-based powder admixed with a first binder, wherein the first iron-based alloy system is in the form of a binder-treated admixture that is a near eutectic liquidus composition or a eutectic liquidus composition; b. providing a base compact having a density prior to infiltration of from about 5.57 to about 6.8 g/cm3, the base compact having been prepared by uniaxial compaction of a second iron-based alloy system comprising a second iron-based powder, the second iron-based powder having been manufactured by water atomization, admixed with a second binder, wherein the second iron-based alloy system is in the form of a binder treated admixture that is near eutectic solidus powder composition or a eutectic solidus powder composition; c. contacting the base compact with the infiltrant; d. heating the infiltrant and base compact to a process temperature above the eutectic temperature of the infiltrant, thereby forming a liquid component of the infiltrant; and e. maintaining the process temperature above the eutectic temperature of the infiltrant for a period of time sufficient to permit the infiltrant to infiltrate the base compact.