TABLE OF CONTENTS Copper containing sintered steels are very often used for production of sintered parts. The alloying with copper results in a strengthening effect but also in improvement of the machinability. The data concerning the effect of machining aids on mechanical and on other relevant properties and finally on machinability of iron-copper-(carbon) steel are also the basis for a more detailed knowledge about machinability of high strength steels. Figure 7.19 shows the characteristic ferritic-pearlitic microstructure of a Fe-2Cu-0.6C steel.
The effect of separate base alloying elements in PM steels, such as copper, manganese and carbon in adequate proportions, shows their mutual interaction affecting the machinability of Fe-Cu-C steels, Fig. 7.20.
On the basis of pevious data concerning the effect of the mentioned single elements on the machinability of sintered iron it is possible to expect their effect also on improvement the machinability of copper alloy steels at adequate alloying.
As shown in Fig. 7.21, a significant increase in the machinability...
