DEFORMATION AND DENSIFICATION DURING THE ROLLING OF METAL POWDERS

Abstract

The deformation of particles and the general process of densification during the roll-compacting of strip from metal powder have been determined by photomicrographic and QTM studies. Observations were made on the expansion of the compacted strip after it had passed the plane joining the roll axes. The effect was related to elastic recovery of the material and the expansion of gases entrapped in the pores between the particles.

The production of satisfactory green strip was found to be restricted to a range of thicknesses obtained between certain maximum and minimum roll gaps. These limits were related to roll pressure and strip density. It was also restricted by a maximum rolling speed that was governed by powder flow to the compaction zone.

Density variations that occurred across the width and through the thickness of green strip were also determined.