Meaning
Diffusion bonded steel powder utilizes an iron base with alloying elements attached to the surface of the particles to prevent separation. Manufacturers select distaloy ae for high strength structural parts that require excellent dimensional precision after sintering.
Bonding Process
Thermal treatment during the powder production phase causes the alloying elements to adhere to the base iron through solid state diffusion. This technique ensures that distaloy ae maintains a consistent chemical composition from the top to the bottom of the hopper. Consistent chemistry leads to predictable shrinkage or expansion during the sintering cycle which reduces the need for secondary machining operations.
Mechanical Performance
Tensile strength and hardness increase markedly when the alloy is sintered at standard temperatures between 1120 and 1150 degrees Celsius. Distaloy ae achieves a high yield strength because the alloying elements partially dissolve into the iron matrix while leaving the core of the particles relatively ductile. This heterogeneous microstructure provides a good combination of toughness and fatigue resistance for heavy duty gears.
Heat Treatment
Surface hardening through carbonitriding or through hardening in a furnace allows the part to reach high surface durability. The presence of nickel and molybdenum in distaloy ae ensures that the material has the hardenability required for thicker sections. Precise control of the cooling rate after sintering or heat treatment allows engineers to tailor the final phase distribution to the specific needs of the application.
