ASCO explores lower volume applications for Powder Metallurgy
July 19, 2017
Automation is successfully integrated at ASCO, with robotic systems helping to reduce the number of employees required to maintain 24 hour operation at the manufacturing facility
In an exclusive report for the Summer 2017 issue of Powder Metallurgy Review, ASCO Sintering, Commerce, California, USA, shared its novel approach to addressing low volume applications and opportunities for Powder Metallurgy.
Founded in 1964, ASCO manufactures a wide range of PM products and possesses more than fifty years of engineering experience. Over time, the company has developed innovative and proprietary tooling designs offering ever more shape complexity during the compaction process. Its powder compacting presses range from 4–220 tons and it lists continuous belt and pusher sintering furnaces in its inventory. Fully implemented acoustic and electromagnetic resonance non-destructive testing lines allow the detection of internal manufacturing flaws.
In this report, the company revealed how it utilises Powder Metallurgy, a technology usually viewed as suitable only for medium- to high-volume production, for the low volume, short-run production of parts. Whether for a new product launch or legacy parts in decline, short-run production is an opportunity which PM companies could benefit from.
By addressing some of the challenges and considerations which must be taken into account when incorporating short-run production into PM facilities, such as part design, material selection, the production of prototypes and the need for engineering support, the report offers insight into how ASCO benefits from this niche market.
The article is available to read for free in the latest digital edition of PM Review, which can be downloaded here.
