Benefits of powder metallurgy
Powder metallurgy gives repeatable precision with minimal waste
GTB Components, the UK’s largest privately-owned powder metallurgy (PM) producer, stresses the benefits that come from using a net shape process for auto components.
As GTB’s James Corcoran explains: “There is no better process available to repeatably produce precision components with the absolute minimum of waste.”
He adds: “More and more purchasing teams are realising the advantages of sourcing quality PM components manufactured in the UK, such as exchange rate benefits, improved logistics, and local technical and design support. The combination of exchange rate, relatively low labour costs, and continuous investment in automation has enabled GTB to compete directly with low cost economy and Asian manufacturers.”
Established in 1991, and located in St Helens, GTB Components Ltd manufactures quality ferrous and stainless steel components for a global customer base that covers the automotive, building products, home and leisure industries.
It offers production from 35 compaction presses ranging in capacity from 6 to 350 tonnes, with a warm compaction capability to give increased density for improved physical properties. After compaction parts are sintered in one of eight furnaces – including high temperature and vacuum furnaces that allow parts to be produced to near full density for increased physical properties.
To give customers fully finished components GTB complements this with in-house design and technical support, a comprehensive range of secondary operations including in-house shot blasting, resin impregnation, heat treatment, steam treatment, and high energy polishing. This is all underpinned by full inspection facilities.
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