Abstract: A method for the gas atomisation of melts comprises delivering of molten material into an atomising vessel (3); impinging the molten material, with a jet of heated atomising gas; and delivering the subsequently solidified, atomised particles of the formerly molten material suspended in the atomising gas to a cyclone (8) for transfer to a receiving vessel (12); wherein gas extracted from the atomising vessel (3) is cooled from its extraction temperature and then at least a proportion of this cooled gas, is re-circulated and re-introduced into the atomising vessel (3). The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out the above defined method.

Abstract: A method of making high-density (>7.0 g/ml) sintered iron-based alloy parts by using boron-containing Master Alloys comprises the steps of mixing an atomised, boron-containing master alloy powder, or a plurality of master alloy powders at least one of which is boron-containing, with a conventional iron or iron alloy powder; optionally adding graphite and a lubricant in conventional amounts as used in powder metallurgy technology; and pressing and sintering the mix to an increased density, preferably in a reducing, inert or vacuum atmosphere at 1050 to 1300° C., to produce the part required. The invention also includes parts produced by the above defined method.