Powder Metallurgy (PM) is an advanced manufacturing metal-forming process for producing high-quality net-shape components for a wide variety of applications. The PM process comprises four categories: press and sinter (P&S); metal injection molding (MIM); metal additive manufacturing (AM); and hot or cold isostatic pressing (HIP/CIP). PM’s high material utilization promotes efficient use of raw materials, reduces energy consumption, and improves labor efficiency. These attributes have enabled PM to establish itself firmly in applications for the automotive, electrical, energy, aerospace, medical, defense, industrial, and consumer markets. To continue to grow, the PM industry must respond to the changing needs of existing and potential customers within these markets. Three major challenges that the PM industry faces are sustainability, the electrification of the automobile, and the acceptance of metal AM.

The winners in the 2023 Powder Metallurgy (PM) Design Excellence Awards competition, sponsored by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), demonstrate outstanding examples of PM’s diversity and ability to meet critical requirements. From electric vehicles to medical implants, once again, parts fabricators have demonstrated PM’s versatility and unique ability to challenge competing technologies. These award-winning components use PM’s flexibility to push forward new concepts and process controls to demonstrate the inexhaustible range of PM’s capabilities.

Ten Grand Prizes and fifteen Awards of Distinction were given in this year's competition, segmented into 3 categories: Conventional Press and Sinter PM; Metal Injection Molding (MIM); and Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM).

This Self-Study Course provides the fundamental principles of processing
ferrous powder metallurgy (PM) materials. The student will gain an
understanding of the practical processing of iron and steel, the most
dominant materials in the PM industry, and engineering as it relates to
the technology. The Course has a strong technical emphasis on ferrous
materials behavior utilizing various manufacturing processes, and some
market data. This technically in-depth Course provides valuable
knowledge for career development.

Richard (Rick) Ricchi, technical specialist, General Motors Corporation (GM), Warren, Michigan, has been selected to receive the Vanguard Award from the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). The award recognizes powder metallurgy (PM) industry champions from the end-user community whose long-time promotion of the technology has contributed to the expansion of PM applications. Ricchi is only the third person to receive the award since its inception in 2014. The award presentation will take place during the Opening General Session at the PowderMet2023, International Conference on Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials, and co-located AMPM2023, Additive Manufacturing with Powder Metallurgy conference, June 18–21, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) has announced
the release of the 2023 PM Industry Roadmap. The update
reviews current and future demands of key markets and
identifies the technical barriers, challenges, opportunities, and
priorities that will drive the powder metallurgy (PM) industry's
continued growth. The current PM industry is driven by
applications in the automotive market. Growth opportunities for
PM technology over the next 10 years include energy,
aerospace, medical/dental, electrical and magnetic, defense,
and industrial and consumer products.
Key technology developments and example applications are
identified for each of the four main categories of PM processes:
press & sinter; metal injection molding (MIM); metal additive
manufacturing (AM); and isostatic pressing. This update also reviews the achievements
made by the PM industry from 2017-2022 and features interactive links to award-winning PM
components.

The original 2001 PM² Industry Vision and Technology Roadmap, and subsequent updates
in 2012 and 2017, are still valid and relevant. They should continue to serve as a reference
for the PM industry’s long-term vision to be the preferred source of net-shaped metal-based
components. However, this 2023 update is expected to help guide the development of the
PM industry over the next several years.
To download your copy visit: PM Industry Roadmap

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Editor's Note: For further information contact Bill Edwards

About the Metal Powder Industries Federation
Metal Powder Industries Federation is the North American trade association formed by the powder metallurgy
industry to advance the interests of the metal powder producing and consuming industries and provides a
single point of reference for all MPIF member companies.