Powder metallurgy (PM) is the process of creating solid components using metallic powder. The powders of different metals and alloys can be used in varying proportions. In Powder metallurgy, a process called sintering is employed. Sintering is a process, wherein powedered metal is heated to a temperature lower than the melting point of the metal and pressed in a die. Different metals and alloys will have varying sintering temperatures. The sintering temperature will be typically be about 70% to 90% of the melting point of the metal. At this temperature, metallurgical bonds are formed amongst the constituent metals. The object thus obtained will be porous. This can be prevented by applying pressure. This is called hot pressing.
