Reliability of mechanical properties of induction sintered iron based powder metal parts

• A reliability value can be determined from the distribution graphics of mechanical properties.
• The percentage of damaged parts at a value of mechanical property can be determined from graphics.
• Mechanical property values with 10%, 50% and 90% reliability were increased with sintering time.
• MicroVickers hardness values were not increased in generally with induction sintering time.
• It was concluded that MicroVickers hardness is not appropriate for powder metal materials.

Reliability and safety are important for machine and construction elements. In this study, iron based powder metal parts (3% Cu, 0.5% Graphite and 1% Kenolube lubricant by weight) were sintered at 1200 °C by medium frequency induction sintering mechanism (30 KW powered and 30 kHz frequency). Mechanical property values of components were determined according to changing sintering time. Three point bending, % maximum strain, MicroVickers hardness (HV) and Rockwell-B hardness tests were applied. Statistical distribution functions were drawn and ultimate strength, ultimate strain, MicroVickers and Rockwell-B hardness values were determined depending on various reliability. As a result of the experiments, it was concluded that, the hardness of powder metal materials should not be based on MicroVickers hardness.