Horizon Technology outlines design considerations for PM tooling
July 2, 2019
Horizon Technology, St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, USA, has outlined its design guidelines for Powder Metallurgy tooling on its blog. The guide, titled ‘Design Considerations for Powder Metallurgy: Tooling Do’s & Don’ts’, describes the impact which tooling design choices can have on the entire manufacturing process, and what steps to take and to avoid to ensure a positive outcome.
Factors taken into consideration for the design of tooling for PM include:
- Net metal shaping
- Compaction ratios
- Cost efficiency
- Powder metal part wall thickness
- All-in-1 manufacturing capabilities
- New & innovative metal powders
- Edging
- Tooling lifetime
Each design consideration is considered in great depth, with a focus on maintaining low part and process costs and high tool lifespan. While there are further, more complex issues which must be considered, the six dos and don’ts covered by Horizon Technology are expected to offer a solid base for the design of good quality tooling.
