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Metallurgical Lab

  • Incoming inspection of raw materials
  • New material and process development
  • In-process and final production verification
  • Material property data development
  • Troubleshooting and failure analysis

Jiangsu Tech Specialties laboratories provide a range of services to support:

  • Hall and Carney Flowmeter A standard in the PM Industry, this device measures important powder characteristics such as apparent density and flow rate. Typically, this device verifies powders used in High Performance PM, Full Density PM, and Engineered Porosity.
  • Compressibility and Green Strength Verification The pressure needed to compact a powder to a desired density is an important process parameter. The strength of this green compact is also important, both for removal of the part from the compaction die and subsequent handling. These tests are usually used for incoming raw material verification as well as the development of new powder materials.
  • Sieve Analysis The particle size distribution of raw powder is measured by passing the powder through successively finer mesh sieves and weighing the amount trapped by each sieve. Typically this is used to verify High Performance PM, Full Density PM, and Engineered Porosity raw powders.
  • Carbon Analyzer This equipment is used to verify the correct processing of PM components in all four (4) of our process technologies. Carbon content is especially important for stainless and tool steels.
  • Helium Pycnometer The density of raw powders is accurately determined using Archimedes' principle of comparing the weight measured in air and the weight measured in helium. Typically this is used to verify Metal Injection Molding feedstock.
  • Thermogravimetric Analyzer By measuring the weight loss of a small sample as temperature is increased to remove additives and binders, the percentage of metal powder in the feedstock is accurately determined. Typically, this device verifies Metal Injection Molding feedstock.
  • Rockwell Hardness Tester The apparent hardness of a component is a reflection of both the hardness of the material and the amount of porosity present. This test is used primarily for production process verification.
  • Microhardness Tester When the hardness of the base material is critical, independent of the effects of porosity, the microhardness is measured. This test uses a diamond tip indentor, very light loads, a microscope, and a metallographically prepared sample to determine the hardness of the material at very specific locations. This test is often used to verify the effects of heat treating and surface carburizing treatments.
  • Cut-off Saw & Metallography Sample Preparation Finished PM components are sectioned and polished in preparation for metallographic analysis. Automated grinding and polishing equipment ensures consistent preparation and avoids problems such as pore smearing.
  • Microscope & Image Analysis Software Finished PM alloy microstructures are examined to verify correct processing conditions. Accurate determinations of pore size and distribution are determined with sophisticated image analysis software.
  • Density & Interconnected Porosity The density of green and finished PM components is accurately determined using Archimedes' principle, i.e. comparing the weight measured in air and the weight measured in water. The level of interconnected porosity is determined by infiltrating the component with oil and comparing the weights in air and water, with and without oil.
  • Coordinate Measuring Machine PM components are inspected with high accuracy using this programmable equipment. A force sensitive probe makes contact with the component to determine its dimensions. Full dimensional layouts and capability studies on critical characteristics are regularly provided for PPAP submissions.
  • Optical Gaging Video Measuring Microscope System PM components are inspected using this programmable optical system. Precision optics and image analysis software combine to accurately measure PM component dimensions. Full dimensional layouts and capability studies on critical characteristics are regularly provided for PPAP submissions.
  • Tension and Compression Break Testing Sometimes the best verification of an acceptable sinter operation of a production component is a functional break test. These tests may be performed using the Tensile Tester or a laboratory press with special fixturing.
  • Resonant Frequency Tester When a metal sample is struck, it vibrates with a resonant frequency indicative of the stiffness of the material. The resonant frequency can be used to determine some important material properties, including the elastic modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s Ratio. This equipment is used to develop material property data to help design engineers better understand how PM materials will behave in their specific applications.
  • Tensile Tester Mechanical properties of PM materials such as the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation are determined by measuring the force and extension required to pull apart a test specimen. This equipment is used to verify the physical properties of existing PM materials and develop new materials.
  • Magnetic Hysteresigraph The magnetic characteristics of PM materials are accurately measured using a ring-shaped test specimen. The ring is wound with two coils. One coil induces a magnetic field in the ring using an electrical current. The other coil is used to measure the response. This testing is used to verify the properties of existing PM magnetic materials and develop new materials.
  • Resistivity Meter The resistivity of a soft magnetic material is important relative to its performance in alternating currents. Higher resistivity reduces the energy loss due to eddy currents developed in the material. This equipment is used for development of new materials and existing material property data.
  • Impact Tester A measure of the toughness of PM alloys is provided by measuring the impact energy required to fracture a test bar of standard dimensions. This measurement is of particular significance to PM tool steels.
  • Stereo Microscope Fine detail such as threads and chamfers on PM components are examined for integrity at up to 60x magnification. This equipment is also useful for troubleshooting press setups and failure analysis.

Design Assistance

Design engineers face numerous questions, including materials, properties, and processing, all with the over-riding challenge of the marketplace — cost.

The engineers, metallurgists, tool designers, and die setters frequently assist our customers with answers to these concerns. We draw upon 70 cumulative years of metallurgical experience and over 450 years of PM engineering and press experience to offer material and processing solutions to our customers.

Powder Metal and Metal Injection Molding, similar to other fabrication methods, have their own set of design guidelines for producing properly engineered, economical products. The ultimate advantages of PM and MIM are usually realized during the initial design stages; however, these processes can offer significant cost reductions even at later stages of a project.

Our design team's experience is focused within the PM and MIM process technologies; however, it includes many other metal forming processes, including machining, casting, stamping, and cold forming. Jiangsu Tech assists customers with selecting the correct processing technology for their application.

Technical Information

As we create partnerships with our customers, we share information, ideas, and technology that provide them with a clearer understanding of PM. One way we accomplish this is through our published technical papers, Technical Information Bulletins (TIB), and our Customer Information Bulletins (CIB). Our TIB's contain magnetic, chemical, and physical properties for many of Jiangsu Tech' materials, designed so our customers can utilize FEA software and reduce development cycles. Our CIB's display successful applications of our technology, describing the materials, the components, and the advantages of the PM process.

Secondary Operations

In addition to a fully-equipped Metallurgical Laboratory to provide complete in-house carbon and microstructure analysis, our facility includes a Secondary Operations Department offering a variety of machining operations to extend both the shape and tolerance capabilities of the PM process. Complex features that can not be molded, such as cross-holes, threads, and thin wall sections, can be formed with a secondary machining operation after sintering. In some cases only one machining pass is required, since PM components can be sintered to the proper size, leaving the optimum amount of removal stock.

Our in-house capabilities include broaching, milling, turning, drilling, reaming, and tapping. To facilitate machining multiple features and automated operations, Jiangsu Tech has a variety of CNC machine tools, including lathes, tapping machines, and machining centers. Automated loading systems on machining equipment are also utilized making the Secondaries Department well suited to high-volume, value-added machining operations.