The Metal Powder Industries Federation issues standards to provide the design and materials engineer with the information necessary for specifying PM materials which have been developed by the PM and MIM parts, powder, and equipment producers. MPIF standards are intended to present and clarify PM technology so as to aid in the conduct of business. PM materials specifications and test standards relate to those activities that concern designers and users of PM parts as well as the manufacturer.

The use of any MPIF standard is entirely voluntary. Existence of an MPIF standard does not in any respect preclude any member of MPIF or non-members from manufacturing or selling products not included in the standards. Suppliers are at liberty to supply products or to use procedures other than those identified in any standard.

The standards fall into three basic classifications:

1. Materials Specifications for components

2. Methods of test (for powders and components)

3. Powder Metallurgy Press Safety standards (developed in cooperation with the American National Standards Institute)

Material Specifications

The material specifications are divided into four categories and standards have been developed for each category. Both the purchaser and the manufacturer should, in order to avoid possible misconceptions or misunderstandings, agree on the following conditions prior to the manufacture of a PM part: minimum strength value, grade selection, chemistry, proof testing, typical property values and processes, which may affect the part application. These standards are cross referenced with ASTM and ISO standards.

MPIF Standard 35 (Click here for an index of all MPIF Standard 35 materials)

Materials Standards for PM Structural Parts

Materials Standards for PM Self-Lubricating Bearings

Materials Standards for Metal Injection Molded Parts

     Click here for free-access March 2009 addendum

Materials Standards for P/F Steel Parts

Methods of Test

The Standard Test Methods for Metal Powders and Powder Metallurgy Products has been developed to provide guidance for PM technology users and suppliers. They have been adopted in cooperation with member trade associations through committees comprised of technical experts responsible for developing standards within their areas of expertise and proposing them to the MPIF membership. Before a standard can be issued as an official MPIF standard, it must be approved by the MPIF membership as a whole. The standards have all been adopted under this procedure.

This new 2010 edition contains 39 standards covering terminology and recommended methods of test for metal powders, powder metal and metal injection molded parts, metallic filters, and powder metallurgy equipment. Std. 66 – Method for Sample Preparation for the Determination of the Total Carbon Content of Powder Metallurgy (PM) Materials (Excluding Cemented Carbides) is a brand-new standard in this edition. Additionally, 10 standards have been revised, some with major revisions.

Powder Press Safety Standards

This American National Standard for Machine Tools—Metal Powder Compacting Presses: Safety Requirements for Construction Care and Use was prepared in conjunction with MPIF and the B11.16 subcommittee of ANSI. The standard was developed to eliminate injuries to personnel associated with presses used in powder metallurgy, by establishing safety requirements for the construction, safeguarding, care and use of PM presses.

Other Standards

A 989-98 Standard Specification for Hot Isostatically Pressed Alloy Steel Flanges, Fittings, Valves, and Parts for High-Temperature Service

A 988-98 Standard Specification for Hot Isostatically Pressed Stainless Steel Flanges, Fittings, Valves, and Parts for High-Temperature Service

American National Standard Specifications for Powder Metallurgy Gears

Manual on Test Sieving Methods