MEASURING DEGREE-OF-SINTER USING METALLOGRAPHIC METHODS

The determination of degree-of-sinter in P/M materials historically has been difficult. Past attempts have been subjective and lacked the quantitative results that could be used in correlation studies to improve properties or monitor manufacturing processes. An attempt is made to develop a test technique using quantitative microscopy to evaluate pore structures in pressed and sintered materials. For this initial phase of the study, a F-0005 material was sintered at times ranging from 5 to 45 minutes in the heating zone. Specimens were removed, prepared by metallographic methods, and tested using quantitative microscopy techniques. The preparation procedures and results of the testing are presented along with a brief historical background.