The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), with the aid of powder metallurgy (PM) industry leaders, has released an updated version of the “PM Industry Roadmap.” Due to significant technological advancements over the past five years, the “2017 PM Industry Roadmap” provides a detailed research agenda for the industry. This document addresses the vision for the PM industry and includes a view of future customer and market expectations, as well as the goals designed to meet those expectations.
Since the previous iteration of the “PM Industry Roadmap” in 2012, there has been significant progress in the processing of lean ferrous alloys, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and metal matrix composites. Component densities continue to rise with improvements in powders, lubricants, tooling, warm compaction, high-tonnage compaction presses, and sintering technology. The most visible advance since the 2012 update is the rapid emergence of metal additive manufacturing, but metal injection molding has also grown significantly, as it has advanced in material options, process control, and standardization. These material and process developments have enabled new PM applications, such as variable valve timing sprockets, electronic power steering pulleys, turbocharger vanes, and jet engine fuel nozzles.
Originally published in 2001, this is the third update to “PM Industry Roadmap.” This free resource is available to the public.
For more information: www.mpif.org
