Powder Metal Conversions
Powdered metal conversion offers a high-strength, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to traditional casting and forging, providing superior quality for complex components. Our engineering team collaborates with customers to evaluate material systems, geometry, and mechanical properties, guiding the design process to optimize part performance and production costs.
Designing for PM
The case for powdered metal over forged or cast iron and aluminum is straightforward: it provides equal or better strength for a lower price, and with consistent high quality. The process is also a good alternative for strengthening some plastic components, such as gears. New manufacturing technologies are expanding the types of products that powdered metal can produce, but not every part is a candidate for conversion.
Our engineering team is a trusted resource for customers looking for conversion opportunities. We earned that trust not only through our extensive experience, but also because we openly engage customers in the process. When we consider a conversion, our engineers collaborate with the customer to determine whether it is suitable for powdered metal manufacture. If it is, we approach the situation from every angle:
Material system
Geometry
Physical specifications and weight
Mechanical properties
Tolerances
Cost savings
Processing options
Assembly possibilities
Once we complete an initial assessment, we sit down with the customer to discuss the design advantages and weigh any tradeoffs. After customer approval, we manage all manufacturing aspects, including the process planning, tooling, production, assembly, and testing.
No matter how complex your products are, consult the experts at Keystone for powdered metal conversion opportunities. We might be able to provide you with the same exact parts, only stronger, greener, with higher quality, and for less.