Energy Consumption Analysis of Sintering Temperature Optimization of Pure Aluminum Powder Metal Compacts Sintered by Using The UHFIS

Abstract

In this study, pure aluminum (Al) powder metal (PM) compacts are sintered conventional or induction systems. PM compacts are sintered by furnace at 600ºC in 60 minutes in the conventional sintering process. In the other process, PM compacts are sintered by induction system at seven different sintering temperatures from 550 C to 610 C in 4 minutes. 2.8 kW, 900 kHz ultra-high frequency induction system (UHFIS) used for heating application of induction sintering process. Densities and hardness values are investigated for both processes. During these sintering processes, all energy consumption results are measured and calculated, then compared with each other. The effects of the sintering time increase in the induction sintering process on energy cost have been analyzed. Optimum sintering temperature of the induction sintering process is determined. It has been seen that the cheaper energy cost is obtained by the induction system for sintering application.