Principal investigator: Palmer, Todd
University: Pennsylvania State University
Industry partners: TAT Technologies, Inc., Embassy Powdered Metals, Inc.
The Powder Metallurgy (PM) industry is a major economic driver in north-central Pennsylvania, but it is heavily reliant on the automotive industry, which comprises approximately 70% of its current market share. It is therefore highly vulnerable to the ongoing transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV). The PM industry’s current product mix is dominated by low strength ferrous-based products produced using traditional press and sinter (P&S) techniques, so it must expand into new markets, particularly those that require higher strength materials and performance. A new micro-ingot processing route makes it possible to economically and sustainably produce full density high strength steels, allowing PM manufacturers to gain footholds in new markets and application areas. For this innovative processing route to gain market acceptance, Penn State, TAT Technologies, and Embassy Powdered Metals will partner to develop comprehensive process-structure-property relationships and produce a representative demonstration component.