An experimental and numerical investigation of a material model for predicting densification of hardmetal powders

In the development process of new cutting tools, accurate simulations reduce both time to market and resources. In this paper, previously developed constitutive models of compaction and sintering are used to simulate the manufacturing process. Multiple variations of compaction heights and maximum temperatures in the sintering cycle are used, and simulated results are compared to actual experiments. The results confirm that good prediction of the spatial distribution of relative density is possible even for complicated geometries. The simulations can also be used to predict changes in the press heights' effect on the final product. • Pressing and sintering simulations are used to predict the shape of a cutting tool. • Different versions of the constitutive model of sintering are evaluated. • Experiments at different maximum temperatures are compared to simulations. • Simulations give a good prediction of the final shape from press height.