Characterization and comparison of gray cast iron powder produced by target jet milling and high energy ball milling of machining scraps

Target jet milling and conventional ball milling were used to produce powders from gray cast iron scraps. Powders of similar size distribution produced by the two methods were pressed at different compacting pressures. Green compacts were made at the compacting pressures of 500, 600, 700 and 800 MPa. Jet milled powder showed good compaction behavior while ball milled powder showed very poor compressibility. Also, balanced compacts composed of 50% Hoganas SC100.26 iron powder and each of the cast iron powders produced in this work were made at 500 and 800 MPa and their green properties were determined. Results showed that, green properties of the jet milled powder were acceptable and superior compared to ball milled powder. The jet milling process proved to be a much more efficient process compared to ball milling in terms of time and production capacity.

Two different pulverizing methods have been used to produce powder from gray cast iron machining scrap. Target jet milling proved to be a preferred method compared to planetary ball mill as the powders produced by the former did not need any post pulverizing treatment such as annealing and had superior green properties.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► It is possible to make powders from gray cast iron scraps by target jet milling.
► Jet milling produces powders with superior properties to the ball milled powders.
► Sound compacts of jet milled powder can be produced at various compacting pressures.
► Balanced compacts of iron/jet milled powder showed excellent green properties.