Aluminum P/M parts can be production sintered in various types of furnaces and atmospheres. Selection of sintering furnace depends upon economic considerations and production rates desired. Batch furnaces have lowest investment costs and are adequate for low to medium production whereas continuous furnaces are more costly but provide higher production rates. strong, well-sintered P/M parts can be obtained in atmos pheres of nitrogen, dissociated ammonia and in vacuum. Atmos phere selection depends upon facilities available within individual plants plus property requirements. Highest strengths are produced in nitrogen followed by vacuum and dissociated ammonia. Repro ducible dimensions can be achieved with proper attention to com pact density, sintering temperature, dew point and atmosphere. REFERENCES 1. J. H. Dudas and W. A. Dean, "'llie Production of Precision Aluminum P/M Parts," International Journal of Powder Metallurgy, Vol. 5, April, 1969. 2. P. F. Mathews, "Effects of Processing Variables on the Properties of Sintered Aluminum Compacts,!! International Journal of Powder Metallurgy, Vol. 4, October, 1968. 3. J. H. Dudas and K. J. Brondyke, "Aluminum P/M Parts - Their Properties and Performance,!! Technical Paper No. 700141, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York, 10001. 4. K. R. Van Horn (Editor), Aluminum Vol. I, pp. 26-28, American Society for Metals, Metals Park, Ohio, 1967.
