A manufacturing process like powder metallurgy (PM) produces different products from metal powder through mixing, forming, compacting, and sintering. Other steps can also follow depending on the nature of the product. Industries rely on powder metallurgy materials for easy accessibility to mass structural parts of varied complexities at an affordable price. Today, even valve plates for compressors are made through powder metallurgy. These are generally flat or almost flat materials used in the valve assembly. The plate has to be strong and reliable. It must also be able to tolerate heat, corrosion, and pressure. Because they face fluctuating pressures and temperatures, the plate material must be rugged and resilient.
Now, the question is – can you expect them to be affordable, too? You can trust powder metallurgy technology to make these materials cost-effective.
PM technology – The cost factor
Most companies want to source affordable products, which is understandable. If you are also concerned about it, you can approach a trusted powder metallurgy manufacturing company to understand how they cost-effectively make high-performing and good-quality products. Although powdered metal may appear slightly expensive initially, you realize its massive contribution to money-saving after considering the surrounding factors. You can focus on techniques that make this entire system quite affordable. For example, you must have heard about the net-shape PM process. It eliminates the need for a secondary machining step, leading to negligible material waste. Powered metals are highly tolerant and can be applied in many areas. Their tolerance limit also influences pricing.
Another reason PM manufacturing proves cost-saving is the use of various metal types, such as iron. Iron is arguably the least pricey item, even though some exotic options cost more. But low-cost iron doesn’t mean it is cheap quality. Iron powder contains multiple strengths, qualifying for use in various applications. You can even ensure product density through this process, where compaction and sintering technology are used to attain the best outcome without hampering the cost-benefit. You can also find all the excellent qualities of this advanced manufacturing process in a valve plate.
Compressor valve plates – Different applications
These materials are typically made from metals like iron and tend to be inexpensive, durable, and impact-resistant. Most people worry about whether a specific component will tolerate newer fluids and not react with them in the compressor. If it so happens, the chipped portions can interfere with the overall system and cause massive damage. Most PM parts tend to be corrosion-resistant. Due to this, you don’t have to bother about this challenge. If you belong to the HVAC industry, consider this PM part hassle-free. When attached to the compressor, this component joins the suction valve to convert low-pressure suction gas into a high-pressure discharge gas, withstanding extreme temperature changes. Nevertheless, this component also sees demand in natural gas, petrochemicals, refineries, and other industries.
Powder metallurgy techniques are highly regarded today for their efficient and cost-effective mass production capabilities for complex structural parts. Since valve plates are integral to compressor system performance, selecting trusted materials is crucial. With PM parts, you can get value for money in every aspect.
