Enhanced Properties of Extra-fine Nickel Steels for PM Gears

Highly compressible Ni-Mo steels are attractive materials for PM due to high sinter density and ease of processing. Extra-fine Ni admixed PM steels have demonstrated improved mechanical properties and rolling contact fatigue resistance due to a more uniform microstructure and increased Ni diffusion during sintering. Sinter densities of single press single sinter XF Ni-Mo steels can approach $7.5\;g/cm^3$ at moderate compaction pressures. Leaner alloys based on extra-fine Ni powder are possible depending on the performance requirements of the PM steel part. Extra-fine Ni steels are particularly attractive for the growing market of high performance PM gears and sprockets.