Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing an oxidant mixed with a carrier gas into pre-heating zone of a continuous furnace for effectively removing lubricant from powder metal compacts prior to sintering at high temperatures. Mixing a controlled amount of a gaseous oxidizing agent such as moisture, carbon dioxide, air or mixtures thereof with a carrier gas and introducing the mixture into the preheating zone of a continuous furnace under controlled conditions accelerates removal of lubricant from powder metal compacts prior to sintering at high temperature by decomposing lubricant vapors into smaller and more volatile hydrocarbons, produces sintered components with close to soot- and residue-free surfaces and with the desired physical properties, prolongs the life of furnace components including muffles and belts, and reduces downtime, maintenance and operating costs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing an oxidant mixed with a carrier gas into pre-heating zone of a continuous furnace for effectively removing lubricant from powder metal compacts prior to sintering at high temperatures. Mixing a controlled amount of a gaseous oxidizing agent such as moisture, carbon dioxide, air or mixtures thereof with a carrier gas and introducing the mixture into the preheating zone of a continuous furnace under controlled conditions accelerates removal of lubricant from powder metal compacts prior to sintering at high temperature by decomposing lubricant vapors into smaller and more volatile hydrocarbons, produces sintered components with close to soot- and residue-free surfaces and with the desired physical properties, prolongs the life of furnace components including muffles and belts, and reduces downtime, maintenance and operating costs.

Abstract: Fine powders of iron with less than 5% by weight graphite, copper, and an organic binder can be formed into shapes having a green density of up to about 7.4 g/cc and sintered in a hydrogen containing atmosphere to yield parts having minimum variations in physical properties. Incorporation of small quantities of copper, e.g. 1% or less by weight, negates variations in physical properties of sintered parts that were subjected to variations in the hydrogen content of the sintering atmosphere.

Abstract: Fine powders of iron with less than 5% by weight graphite, copper, and an organic binder can be formed into shapes having a green density of up to about 7.4 g/cc and sintered in a hydrogen containing atmosphere to yield parts having minimum variations in physical properties. Incorporation of small quantities of copper, e.g. 1% or less by weight, negates variations in physical properties of sintered parts that were subjected to variations in the hydrogen content of the sintering atmosphere.