P/M industry trends in 2005: better powders and new processes are expanding the range of applications for powder metallurgy.

Advanced Materials & Processes, March, 2005 by Johnson, Peter K.

Cautious optimism characterizes the outlook for the powder metallurgy (P/M) industry in North America. New and improved raw materials, more rigorous processing methods, and innovative design are pushing the technology closer to the mechanical properties of wrought materials. Most engines powering "Big Three" vehicles rely on powder-forged (P/F) connecting rods.

P/F rods account for more than 60% of the North American market for connecting rods. It is estimated that more than 500 million P/F rods have been made since 1986, when the first P/M rod was designed into a Ford 1.9 liter engine. The P/M content in vehicles is still increasing, and reached 19.5 kg (43 lb) per vehicle in 2004, and it is estimated that P/M will add at least another pound per vehicle annually...

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