INVESTIGATING WEAR OF PIN FABRICATED BY PRESSURE-LESS SINTERING OF COPPER POWDER INTO 3D PRINTED CLAY MOULDS

Powder metallurgy (P/M) is a typical process for producing metal parts and metal matrix composites by employing powder-form materials. The main challenge to the economic viability of P/M components is the expense of die-making, especially when producing small quantities of parts. Pressure-less sintering is a promising approach in P/M, with the potential for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing through the use of customised dies produced through 3D printing. This study examines the wear characteristics of pressure-less sintered copper pins produced in 3D-printed clay moulds. The research focuses on Pin-On-Disk wear testing and microhardness to assess the component quality and to understand the wear rate of these pins under different loading conditions, viz. sliding velocities and applied load. Moreover, the study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the combination of pressure-less sintering through 3D Printed clay moulds highlighting its potential for producing durable copper pins. Through a comprehensive investigation into the wear performance of components synthesized by the integration of pressure-less sintering and 3D printing technologies, known as Additive Manufacturing. Based on experimental investigation it has been observed that sliding speed and applied force have a direct impact on wear rate. In particular, the applied load has a major influence on the wear rate in pin-on-disc wear tests for the same sliding distance.