Iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability

Abstract
This iron-based sintered alloy contains 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate or 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate. As a result, an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability is obtained.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability which is used as materials for various machine components. This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-62854 filed on Mar. 10, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.


BACKGROUND ART

With the progress of a sintering technique, various electric components such as yoke and rotor, and various machine components such as pistons for shock absorber, rod guides, bearing caps, valve plates for compressor, hubs, forkshifts, sprockets, toothed wheels, gears and synchronizer hubs have recently been produced using an iron-based sintered alloy obtained by sintering a raw powder mixture. For example, it is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of pure iron and 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, is used to produce various electric components such as yokes and rotors. It is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, is used to produce pistons for shock absorber, and lot guides. It is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 10 to 25% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, is used to produce bearing caps, and valve plates for compressor. It is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, is used to produce forkshifts, sprockets, gears, toothed wheels, and pistons for shock absorber. It is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, is used to produce CL cranks, sprockets, gears, and toothed wheels.


It is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, are used as materials of various machine components such as sprockets, gears and toothed wheels.


Also it is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 1.0 to 3.0% by mass of C, 0.5 to 8% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, are used as materials of valve guides.


Also it is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W and 1 to 6% by mass of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W, 1 to 6% by mass of V and 5 to 14% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, and 10 to 20% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 3% by mass of Mo, 0.05 to 5% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 2% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, are used as materials of valve seats.


Also it is known that an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 15 to 27% by mass of Cr and 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of one or more kinds selected from among 15 to 27% by mass of Cr, 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, 0.5 to 7% by mass of Mo and 0.5 to 4% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 10 to 33% by mass of Cr, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 10 to 33% by mass of Cr and 0.5 to 3% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 10 to 33% by mass of Cr and 0.5 to 3% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 10 to 19% by mass of Cr and 0.05 to 1.3% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and an iron-based sintered alloy having the composition consisting of 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 2 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 0.5% by mass of Nb and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of Al, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, are used as materials of corrosion-resistant machine components.


Various machine components made of these conventional iron-based sintered alloys are produced by blending predetermined raw powders, mixing the powders and compacting the powder mixture to obtain a green compact, and sintering the resulting green compact in a vacuum, dissociated ammonia gas, N2+5% H2 gas mixture, endothermic gas or exothermic gas atmosphere, and are finally shipped after piercing the required position using a drill and cutting or grinding the surface. Machining such as piercing, cutting or grinding is conducted by using various cutting tools. When machine components have a lot of positions to be cut, cutting tools are drastically worn out, resulting in high cost. Therefore, there has been made a trial of suppressing wear of the cutting tool by a method of adding about 1% of a MnS or MnO powder and sintering the resulting green compact thereby to improve machinability of the cutting tool (see Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 3-267354) or a method of adding a CaO—MgO—SiO2-based complex oxide, thereby to improve machinability (see Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 8-260113) of the cutting tool, and thus reducing the cost.


DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An iron-based sintered alloy obtained by adding a conventional MnS powder, MnO powder or CaO—MgO—SiO2-based complex oxide powder and sintering the resulting green compact has machinability, which is improved to some extent, but is not still satisfactory. Therefore, it is required to develop an iron-based sintered alloy having more excellent machinability.


From such a point of view, the present inventors have intensively studied so as to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy having more excellent machinability, which can be used as materials of various electric and machine components. As a result, they have found that an iron-based sintered alloy containing 0.05 to 3% by mass of a calcium carbonate powder or an iron-based sintered alloy containing 0.05 to 3% by mass of a strontium carbonate powder has more improved machinability.


The present invention has been made based on such a finding and is characterized by the followings:

  • (1) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability, comprising 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate,
  • (2) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (3) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (4) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (5) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 10 to 25% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (6) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (7) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (8) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (9) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (10) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (11) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (12) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (13) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (14) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (15) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 1.0 to 3.0% by mass of C, 0.5 to 8% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (16) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W and 1 to 6% by mass of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (17) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W, 1 to 6% by mass of V and 5 to 14% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (18) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (19) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, and 10 to 20% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (20) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 3% by mass of Mo, 0.05 to 5% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 2% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (21) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr and 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (22) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of one or more kinds selected from among 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr, 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, 0.5 to 7% by mass of Mo and 0.5 to 4% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (23) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate and 10 to 33% by mass of Cr, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (24) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 10 to 33% by mass of Cr and 0.5 to 3% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (25) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 10 to 19% by mass of Cr and 0.05 to 1.3% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (26) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (27) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 2 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 0.5% by mass of Nb and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of Al, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (28) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability, comprising 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate,
  • (29) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (30) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (31) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (32) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 10 to 25% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (33) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (34) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (35) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (36) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (37) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (38) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (39) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (40) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (41) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (42) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 1.0 to 3.0% by mass of C, 0.5 to 8% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (43) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W and 1 to 6% by mass of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (44) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W, 1 to 6% by mass of V and 5 to 14% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (45) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (46) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, and 10 to 20% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (47) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 3% by mass of Mo, 0.05 to 5% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 2% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (48) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr and 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (49) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of one or more kinds selected from among 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr, 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, 0.5 to 7% by mass of Mo and 0.5 to 4% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (50) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate and 10 to 33% by mass of Cr, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (51) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 10 to 33% by mass of Cr and 0.5 to 3% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (52) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 10 to 19% by mass of Cr and 0.05 to 1.3% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities,
  • (53) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and
  • (54) an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 2 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 0.5% by mass of Nb and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of Al, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.


The iron-based sintered alloys having excellent machinability, which contain 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, according to (1) to (27) of the present invention are produced by blending a calcium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm with raw powders, mixing these powders and compacting the powder mixture to obtain a green compact, and sintering the resulting green compact in an atmosphere of a nonoxidizing gas such as vacuum, dissociated ammonia gas, N2+5% H2 gas mixture, endothermic gas or exothermic gas. The green compact is particularly preferably sintered in an atmosphere of the nonoxidizing gas such as endothermic gas or exothermic gas. The iron-based sintered alloy thus obtained has a structure in which CaCO3 is dispersed at grain boundary in a basis material of the iron-based sintered alloy. The presence of CaCO3 in the sintered compact obtained by sintering the green compact can be confirmed by X-ray diffraction.


The iron-based sintered alloys having excellent machinability, which contain 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, according to (28) to (54) of the present invention are produced by blending a strontium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm with raw powders, mixing these powders and compacting the powder mixture to obtain a green compact, and sintering the resulting green compact in an atmosphere of a nonoxidizing gas such as vacuum, dissociated ammonia gas, N2+5% H2 gas mixture, endothermic gas or exothermic gas. The green compact is particularly preferably sintered in an atmosphere of the nonoxidizing gas such as endothermic gas or exothermic gas. The iron-based sintered alloy thus obtained has a structure in which SrCO3 is dispersed at grain boundary in a basis material of the iron-based sintered alloy. The presence of SrCO3 in the sintered compact obtained by sintering the green compact can be confirmed by X-ray diffraction.


Therefore, the present invention is characterized by the followings: (55) a method for preparing the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to any one of (1) to (27), which comprises compacting a raw powder mixture containing 0.05 to 3% by mass of a calcium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm as a raw powder to obtain a green compact and sintering the resulting green compact in a nonoxidizing gas atmosphere, and (56) a method for preparing the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to any one of (28) to (54), which comprises compacting a raw powder mixture containing 0.05 to 3% by mass of a strontium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm as a raw powder to obtain a green compact and sintering the resulting green compact in a nonoxidizing gas atmosphere.


The average particle size of the calcium carbonate powder as the raw powder was defined within a range from 0.1 to 30 μm by the following reason. That is, when the average particle size of the calcium carbonate powder exceeds 30 μm, a contact area between the calcium carbonate powder and the basis material decreases and sufficient machinability improving effect is not exerted. On the other hand, when the average particle size of the calcium carbonate powder is less than 0.1 μm, a force of agglomeration increases, and thus the calcium carbonate powder is not uniformly dispersed in the basis material and further machinability improving effect is not exerted, and it is not preferred.


The average particle size of the strontium carbonate powder as the raw powder was defined within a range from 0.1 to 30 μm by the following reason. That is, when the average particle size of the strontium carbonate powder exceeds 30 μm, a contact area between the strontium carbonate powder and the basis material decreases and sufficient machinability improving effect is not exerted. On the other hand, when the average particle size of the strontium carbonate powder is less than 0.1 μm, a force of agglomeration increases, and thus the strontium carbonate powder is not uniformly dispersed in the basis material and further machinability improving effect is not exerted, and it is not preferred.


The endothermic gas is a gas containing, as a main component, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen, which is obtained by mixing a natural gas, propane, butane or coke oven gas with an air to obtain a gas mixture, and decomposing and converting the gas mixture while passing through a heated catalyst composed mainly of nickel. In this case, since this reaction is an endothermic reaction, a catalyst layer must be heated. The exothermic gas is a gas containing nitrogen as a main component, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is obtained by semicombusting a natural gas, propane, butane or coke oven gas with air, and decomposing and converting the combustion gas while passing through a nickel catalyst layer or charcoal layer. In this case, since the temperature of the catalyst increases due to combustion heat of the raw gas, it is not necessary to externally heat the catalyst layer.


The sintering temperature, at which the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability is sintered, is preferably from 1100 to 1300° C. (more preferably from 1110 to 1250° C.) and this sintering temperature is the temperature which is generally known as a temperature at which the iron-based sintered alloy is sintered.


The reason why the composition of the CaCO3 component and the composition of the SrCO3 component in the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability of the present invention were as limited as described above will now be described.


CaCO3 has such an effect that it exists at grain boundary and is uniformly dispersed in a basis material, thereby to improve machinability. When the content is less than 0.05% by mass, sufficient machinability improving effect is not exerted. On the other hand, even when the content exceeds 3.0% by mass, further machinability improving effect is not exerted and the strength of the iron-based sintered alloy rather decreases, and therefore it is not preferred. Therefore, the content of CaCO3 in the iron-based sintered alloy of the present invention was defined within a range from 0.05 to 3.0% by mass. The content of CaCO3 is more preferably within a range from 0.1 to 2% by mass.


SrCO3 has such an effect that it exists at grain boundary and is uniformly dispersed in a basis material, thereby to improve machinability. When the content is less than 0.05% by mass, sufficient machinability improving effect is not exerted. On the other hand, even when the content exceeds 3.0% by mass, further machinability improving effect is not exerted and the strength of the iron-based sintered alloy rather decreases, and therefore it is not preferred. Therefore, the content of SrCO3 in the iron-based sintered alloy of the present invention was defined within a range from 0.05 to 3.0% by mass. The content of SrCO3 is more preferably within a range from 0.1 to 2% by mass.







BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following examples and, for example, constituent features of these examples may be appropriately combined with each other.


EXAMPLE 1

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 1, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm and a pure Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 1 to 10 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 1 to 2, and conventional sintered alloys 1 to 3.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 1 to 10 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 1 to 2, and the conventional sintered alloys 1 to 3 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.030 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 1. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 1Component ratio ofComponent ratio ofraw powderiron-based(mass %)sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeAverage particleandNumber ofIron-based sinteredsize is describedinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.Fe powderCaCO3impurities(times)RemarksProducts of the1 0.05 (0.1 μm)balance0.03balance59present invention2 0.2 (0.1 μm)balance0.18balance1373 0.5 (0.6 μm)balance0.48balance1554 1.0 (2 μm)balance0.95balance2035 1.3 (0.6 μm)balance1.26balance1966 1.5 (2 μm)balance1.48balance2367 1.8 (18 μm)balance1.76balance2138 2.1 (2 μm)balance1.99balance1769 2.5 (18 μm)balance2.43balance22210  3.0 (30 μm)balance2.97balance310Comparative10.02* (40 μm*)balance0.01balance23products2 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance 3.45*balance114decrease instrengthConventional1CaMgSi4:1balanceCaMgSi4:1balance38products2MnS:1balanceMnS:0.97balance273CaF2:1balanceCaF2:1balance25
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 1, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 1 to 10 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 1 to 3 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 1 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 2 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 2

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 2, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm and a Fe-0.6 mass % P powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 2, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 11 to 20 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 3 to 4, and conventional sintered alloys 4 to 6.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 11 to 20 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 3 to 4, and the conventional sintered alloys 4 to 6 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.030 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 2Component ratio ofComponent ratio ofraw powderiron-based sintered alloy(mass %)(mass %)CaCO3 powderFeAverage particleFe-basedandNumber ofIron-based sinteredsize is describedalloyinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powder#CaCO3Pimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the11 0.05 (0.1 μm)balance0.030.55balance51present invention12 0.2 (0.1 μm)balance0.180.58balance11913 0.5 (0.6 μm)balance0.480.53balance15814 1.0 (2 μm)balance0.950.53balance17615 1.3 (0.6 μm)balance1.280.57balance14016 1.5 (2 μm)balance1.480.57balance13117 1.8 (18 μm)balance1.760.54balance16718 2.1 (2 μm)balance1.990.53balance12119 2.5 (18 μm)balance2.420.55balance13720 3.0 (30 μm)balance2.970.55balance186Comparative30.02* (40 μm*)balance 0.01*0.56balance27products4 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance 3.42*0.54balance125decrease instrengthConventional4CaMgSi4:1balanceCaMgSi4:10.55balance33products5MnS:1balanceMnS:0.970.55balance356CaF2:1balanceCaF2:10.55balance22
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder with the composition of Fe—0.6 mass % P


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 11 to 20 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 4 to 6 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 3 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 4 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 3

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 3, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 3, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 21 to 30 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 5 to 6, and conventional sintered alloys 7 to 9.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 21 to 30 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 5 to 6, and the conventional sintered alloys 7 to 9 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.018 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 3. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 3Component ratio ofComponent ratio of iron-basedraw powder (mass %)sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeAverage particleandNumber ofIron-based sinteredsize is describedCFeinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderCaCO3Cimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the210.05(0.1μm)0.13balance0.030.11balance80present invention220.2(0.1 μm)0.3balance0.170.24balance102230.5(0.6 μm)0.6balance0.470.54balance95241.0(2 μm)0.8balance0.940.55balance135251.3(0.6 μm)1.1balance1.221.02balance197261.5(2 μm)1.1balance1.430.99balance208271.8(18 μm)1.1balance1.691.05balance191282.1(2 μm)1.1balance2.091.03balance220292.5(18 μm)1.1balance2.3 1.03balance174303.0(30 μm)1.2balance2.911.15balance180Comparative50.02*(40 μm*)1.1balance 0.01*1.04balance22products63.5*(0.01 μm*)1.1balance 3.38*1.01balance126decrease instrengthConventional7CaMgSi4:1(10 μm)1.1balanceCaMgSi4:11.04balance37products8MnS:1(20 μm)1.1balanceMnS:0.971.04balance459CaF2:1(36 μm)1.1balanceCaF2:11.04balance29
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 3, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 21 to 30 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 7 to 9 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 5 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 6 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 4

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 4, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 4, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes and subjected to 20% Cu infiltration to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 31 to 40 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 7 to 8, and conventional sintered alloys 10 to 12.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 31 to 40 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 7 to 8, and the conventional sintered alloys 10 to 12 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.018 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 4. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 4Component ratioComponent ratio of iron-based sinteredof raw powder (mass %)alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeNumberAverage particleandofIron-based sinteredsize is describedInfiltrationinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.C powderFe powderCuCaCO3CCuimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the310.05(0.1 μm)0.13balance200.050.1219.5balance78present320.2(0.5 μm)0.3balance200.200.2420.2balance126invention330.5(1 μm)0.6balance200.490.5420.1balance186341.0(2 μm)0.8balance200.970.7519.6balance201351.3(0.5 μm)1.1balance201.281.0519.9balance210361.5(2 μm)1.1balance201.460.9920.4balance176371.8(18 μm)1.1balance201.771.0519.8balance197382.1(2 μm)1.1balance202.091.0720.0balance189392.5(18 μm)1.1balance202.451.0719.7balance160403.0(30 μm)1.2balance202.961.1519.9balance152Comparative70.02*(40 μm*)1.1balance20 0.01*1.0420.3balance23products83.5*(0.01 μm*)1.1balance20 3.45*1.0619.6balance112decreaseinstrengthConventional10CaMgSi4:1(10 μm)1.1balance20CaMgSi4:11.0419.8balance41products11MnS:1(20 μm)1.1balance20MnS:0.971.0419.8balance4812CaF2:1(36 μm)1.1balance20CaF2:11.0419.9balance32
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 4, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 31 to 40 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 10 to 12 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 7 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 8 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 5

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 5, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Cu powder having an average particle size of 25 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 5, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 41 to 50 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 9 to 10, and conventional sintered alloys 13 to 15.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 41 to 50 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 9 to 10, and the conventional sintered alloys 13 to 15 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.030 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 5. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 5Component ratioComponent ratio ofof raw powderiron-based sintered(mass %)alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeNumberAverage particleandofIron-based sinteredsize is describedCuCFeinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderpowderCaCO3CuCimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the41 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.20.13balance0.032.00.11balance53present42 0.2 (0.1 μm)20.25balance0.172.10.22balance122invention43 0.5 (0.6 μm)20.98balance0.471.90.87balance12944 1.0 (2 μm)20.7balance0.942.00.66balance23545 1.3 (0.6 μm)20.7balance1.222.00.64balance25046 1.5 (2 μm)40.7balance1.434.00.65balance22047 1.8 (18 μm)5.80.7balance1.695.70.65balance20348 2.1 (2 μm)40.7balance2.093.90.64balance19049 2.5 (18 μm)20.98balance2.3 2.00.88balance14550 3.0 (30 μm)21.2balance2.912.01.15balance179Comparative90.02* (40 μm*)20.7balance 0.01*1.90.65balance10products10 3.5* (0.01 μm*)20.7balance 3.45*2.00.64balance108decrease instrengthConventional13CaMgSi4:120.7balanceCaMgSi4:12.00.66balance20products14MnS:120.7balanceMnS:0.972.00.64balance1415CaF2:120.7balanceCaF2:12.00.64balance9
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 5, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 41 to 50 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 13 to 15 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 9 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 10 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 6

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 6, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a partially diffused Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-1.5% Cu-4.0% Ni-0.5% Mo and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 6, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 51 to 60 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 11 to 12, and conventional sintered alloys 16 to 18.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 51 to 60 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 11 to 12, and the conventional sintered alloys 16 to 18 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 6. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 6Component ratioComponent ratioof raw powder (mass %)of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeNumberAverage particleFe-basedandofIron-basedsize is describedCalloyinevitablepiercingsintered alloyin parenthesis.powderpowder#CaCO3CuCNiMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the51 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.13balance0.031.50.113.90.50balance48present52 0.2 (0.1 μm)0.25balance0.181.50.194.00.50balance153invention53 0.5 (0.6 μm)0.98balance0.461.50.854.00.50balance21454 1.0 (2 μm)0.5balance0.961.40.474.10.52balance30055 1.3 (0.6 μm)0.5balance1.251.50.454.00.50balance28756 1.5 (2 μm)0.5balance1.451.50.454.00.50balance32457 1.8 (18 μm)0.5balance1.721.50.474.00.49balance27458 2.1 (2 μm)0.5balance1.891.60.473.80.50balance25759 2.5 (18 μm)1.0balance2.321.50.904.00.50balance23160 3.0 (30 μm)1.2balance2.891.51.174.00.50balance267Comparative110.02* (40 μm*)0.5balance 0.01*1.50.434.10.50balance5products12 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.5balance 3.45*1.50.444.00.51balance87decrease instrengthConventional16CaMgSi4:10.5balanceCaMgSi4:11.50.464.00.50balance17products17MnS:10.5balanceMnS:0.971.50.474.00.50balance3518CaF2:10.5balanceCaF2:11.50.454.00.48balance8
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#partially diffused Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—1.5% Cu—4.0% Ni-0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 6, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 51 to 60 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 16 to 18 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 11 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 12 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 7

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 7, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-1.5% Mo and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 7, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 61 to 70 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 13 to 14, and conventional sintered alloys 19 to 21.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 61 to 70 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 13 to 14, and the conventional sintered alloys 19 to 21 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 7. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 7Component ratioComponent ratio of iron-basedof raw powder (mass %)sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeNumberAverage particleFe-basedandofIron-based sinteredsize is describedCalloyinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowder#CaCO3CMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the61 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.13balance0.030.111.50balance48present invention62 0.2 (0.1 μm)0.25balance0.190.191.48balance8563 0.5 (0.6 μm)0.98balance0.480.851.50balance7164 1.0 (2 μm)0.5balance0.970.461.50balance21465 1.3 (0.6 μm)0.5balance1.270.471.50balance22566 1.5 (2 μm)0.5balance1.440.451.51balance20167 1.8 (18 μm)0.5balance1.720.451.46balance22868 2.1 (2 μm)0.5balance1.950.441.50balance21969 2.5 (18 μm)1.0balance2.390.901.50balance17070 3.0 (30 μm)1.2balance2.911.171.53balance148Comparative130.02* (40 μm*)0.5balance 0.01*0.431.51balance12products14 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.5balance 3.45*0.441.50balance81decreaseinstrengthConventional19CaMgSi4:10.5balanceCaMgSi4:10.461.51balance20products20MnS:10.5balanceMnS:0.970.471.50balance2321CaF2:10.5balanceCaF2:10.441.48balance16
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-1.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 7, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 61 to 70 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 19 to 21 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 13 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 14 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 8

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 8, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-3.0% Cr-0.5% Mo and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 8, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an N2+5% H2 gas mixture atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 71 to 80 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 15 to 16, and conventional sintered alloys 22 to 24.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 71 to 80 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 15 to 16, and the conventional sintered alloys 22 to 24 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 8. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 8Component ratioComponent ratio of iron-based sintered alloyof raw powder (mass %)(mass %)CaCO3 powderFeNumberAverage particleFe-basedandofIron-based sinteredsize is describedCalloyinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowder#CaCO3CCrMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the71 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.13balance0.030.113.00.50balance31present72 0.2 (0.1 μm)0.25balance0.190.193.00.50balance105invention73 0.5 (0.6 μm)0.98balance0.480.853.00.49balance12174 1.0 (2 μm)0.5balance0.970.473.00.50balance16375 1.3 (0.6 μm)0.5balance1.270.452.90.50balance18676 1.5 (2 μm)0.5balance1.440.453.00.51balance15177 1.8 (18 μm)0.5balance1.720.443.00.49balance18578 2.1 (2 μm)0.5balance1.950.443.10.50balance19679 2.5 (18 μm)1.0balance2.390.903.00.50balance10380 3.0 (30 μm)1.2balance2.911.173.00.50balance88Comparative150.02* (40 μm*)0.5balance 0.01*0.433.10.50balance3products16 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.5balance 3.45*0.453.00.51balance89decrease instrengthConventional22CaMgSi4:10.5balanceCaMgSi4:10.463.00.50balance16products23MnS:10.5balanceMnS:0.970.473.10.50balance1324CaF2:10.5balanceCaF2:10.443.00.50balance8
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—3.0% Cr—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 8, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 71 to 80 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 22 to 24 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 15 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 16 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 9

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 9, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-3.0% Cr-0.5% Mo, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 9, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an N2+5% H2 gas mixture atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 81 to 90 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 17 to 18, and conventional sintered alloys 25 to 27.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 81 to 90 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 17 to 18, and the conventional sintered alloys 25 to 27 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 9. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 9Component ratioComponent ratio ofof raw powder (mass %)iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFeNumberAverage particleFe-basedandofIron-basedsize is describedalloyinevitablepiercingsintered alloyin parenthesis.C powderNi powderpowder#CaCO3CNiCrMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the81 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.130.2balance0.030.110.23.00.50balance65present82 0.2 (0.1 μm)0.252balance0.190.192.03.00.50balance93invention83 0.5 (0.6 μm)0.984balance0.480.854.03.00.49balance8984 1.0 (2 μm)0.54balance0.970.474.03.00.50balance13585 1.3 (0.6 μm)0.54balance1.270.453.92.90.50balance11286 1.5 (2 μm)0.54balance1.440.454.03.00.51balance12587 1.8 (18 μm)0.54balance1.720.444.03.00.49balance14088 2.1 (2 μm)0.56balance1.950.446.03.10.50balance17789 2.5 (18 μm)1.08balance2.390.907.93.00.50balance13390 3.0 (30 μm)1.29.8balance2.911.179.83.00.50balance109Comparative170.02* (40 μm*)0.54balance 0.01*0.434.13.10.50balance3products18 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.54balance 3.45*0.454.03.00.51balance101decrease instrengthConventional25CaMgSi4:10.54balanceCaMgSi4:10.464.03.00.50balance6products26MnS:10.54balanceMnS:0.970.474.03.10.50balance827CaF2:10.54balanceCaF2:10.444.03.00.50balance8
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—3.0% Cr—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 9, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 81 to 90 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 25 to 27 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 17 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 18 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 10

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 10, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-3.0% Cr-0.5% Mo, a Cu powder having an average particle size of 25 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 10, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an N2+5% H2 gas mixture atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 91 to 100 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 19 to 20, and conventional sintered alloys 28 to 30.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 91 to 100 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 19 to 20, and the conventional sintered alloys 28 to 30 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 10. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 10Component ratioComponent ratio ofof raw powder (mass %)iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderFe NumberAverage particleCuFe-andofIron-basedsize is describedpow-CNibasedinevitablepiercingsintered alloyin parenthesis.derpowderpowderalloy #CaCO3CuCNiCrMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts91 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.20.130.2balance0.030.20.110.23.00.50balance34of the92 0.2 (0.1 μm)20.252balance0.192.10.192.03.00.50balance87present93 0.5 (0.6 μm)20.984balance0.481.90.854.03.00.49balance95invention94 1.0 (2 μm)20.54balance0.972.00.474.03.00.50balance15095 1.3 (0.6 μm)20.54balance1.272.00.453.92.90.50balance13896 1.5 (2 μm)40.54balance1.444.00.454.03.00.51balance14397 1.8 (18 μm)5.80.54balance1.725.80.444.03.00.49balance13998 2.1 (2 μm)40.56balance1.954.00.446.03.10.50balance15599 2.5 (18 μm)21.08balance2.392.00.907.93.00.50balance132100 3.0 (30 μm)21.29.8balance2.912.01.179.83.00.50balance129Com-190.02* (40 μm*)20.54balance 0.01*1.90.434.13.00.50balance2parativeproducts20 3.5* (0.01 μm*)20.54balance 3.45*2.00.454.03.00.51balance119decreasein strengthCon-28CaMgSi4:120.54balanceCaMgSi4:12.00.464.03.00.50balance8ventional29MnS:120.54balanceMnS:0.972.00.474.03.10.50balance4products30CaF2:120.54balanceCaF2:12.00.444.03.00.50balance11
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

*Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—3.0% Cr—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 10, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 91 to 100 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 28 to 30 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 19 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 20 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 11

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 11, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 11, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 101 to 110 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 21 to 22, and conventional sintered alloys 31 to 33.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 101 to 110 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 21 to 22, and the conventional sintered alloys 31 to 33 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 11. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 11Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedCaCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Average particleFe andNumber ofIron-based sinteredsize is describedCNiFeinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderpowderCaCO3CNiimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of101 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.130.2balance0.030.110.2balance43the present102 0.2 (0.1 μm)0.251balance0.190.191.0balance84invention103 0.5 (0.6 μm)0.983balance0.480.932.9balance79104 1.0 (2 μm)0.53balance0.970.443.0balance128105 1.3 (0.6 μm)0.53balance1.270.443.0balance114106 1.5 (2 μm)0.53balance1.440.453.0balance202107 1.8 (18 μm)0.53balance1.720.453.0balance187108 2.1 (2 μm)0.56balance1.950.456.0balance168109 2.5 (18 μm)1.08balance2.390.908.0balance126110 3.0 (30 μm)1.29.8balance2.911.119.8balance99Comparative210.02* (40 μm*)0.53balance0.01*0.453.0balance5products22 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.53balance3.45*0.453.0balance143decrease instrengthConventional31CaMgSi4:10.53balanceCaMgSi4:10.442.9balance17products32MnS:10.54balanceMnS:0.970.453.0balance2033CaF2:10.54balanceCaF2:10.443.0balance12
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 11, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 101 to 110 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 31 to 33 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 21 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 22 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 12

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 12, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 12, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 111 to 120 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 23 to 24, and conventional sintered alloys 34 to 36.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 111 to 120 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 23 to 24, and the conventional sintered alloys 34 to 36 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 12. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 12Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)CaCO3 powderComponent ratio of iron-based sintered alloyAverage(mass %)Numberparticle size isFe andofIron-based sintereddescribed inCNiMoFeinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderpowderCaCO3CNiMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the111 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.130.20.2balance0.030.110.20.2balance55present112 0.2 (0.1 μm)0.2510.3balance0.190.191.00.3balance91invention113 0.5 (0.6 μm)0.9840.5balance0.480.914.00.5balance103114 1.0 (2 μm)0.640.5balance0.970.554.00.5balance170115 1.3 (0.6 μm)0.640.5balance1.270.564.00.5balance227116 1.5 (2 μm)0.641balance1.440.543.91.0balance198117 1.8 (18 μm)0.643balance1.720.543.92.7balance164118 2.1 (2 μm)0.664.8balance1.950.556.04.8balance144119 2.5 (18 μm)1.080.5balance2.390.928.00.5balance159120 3.0 (30 μm)1.29.80.5balance2.911.149.80.5balance166Comparative230.02* (40 μm*)0.640.5balance0.01*0.544.00.5balance11products24 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.640.5balance3.45*0.544.00.5balance91decrease instrengthConventional34CaMgSi4:10.640.5balanceCaMgSi4:10.544.00.5balance22products35MnS:10.640.5balanceMnS:0.970.554.00.5balance3136CaF2:10.640.5balanceCaF2:10.554.00.5balance28
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 12, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 111 to 120 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 34 to 36 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 23 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 24 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 13

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 13, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Cu powder having an average particle size of 25 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 13, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 121 to 130 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 25 to 26, and conventional sintered alloys 37 to 39.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 121 to 130 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 25 to 26, and the conventional sintered alloys 37 to 39 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 13. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 13Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)CaCO3 powderComponent ratio of iron-based sintered alloyAverage(mass %)Numberparticle size isFe andofIron-based sintereddescribed inCuCNiFeinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderpowderCaCO3CuCNiimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the121 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.20.130.2balance0.030.20.110.2balance46present122 0.2 (0.1 μm)10.251balance0.171.00.211.0balance104invention123 0.5 (0.6 μm)10.983balance0.471.00.913.0balance136124 1.0 (2 μm)10.63balance0.940.990.553.0balance157125 1.3 (0.6 μm)20.83balance1.221.00.543.0balance180126 1.5 (2 μm)40.63balance1.434.00.552.9balance166127 1.8 (18 μm)5.80.63balance1.695.70.563.0balance192128 2.1 (2 μm)10.66balance1.091.00.556.0balance153129 2.5 (18 μm)11.08balance2.31.00.918.0balance193130 3.0 (30 μm)11.29.8balance2.911.01.139.8balance179Comparative250.02* (40 μm*)10.63balance0.01*1.00.553.0balance7products26 3.5* (0.01 μm*)10.63balance3.45*1.00.553.0balance79decrease instrengthConventional37CaMgSi4:110.63balanceCaMgSi4:11.00.553.0balance12products38MnS:110.63balanceMnS:0.971.00.543.0balance1539CaF2:110.63balanceCaF2:11.00.553.0balance9
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 13, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 121 to 130 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 37 to 39 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 25 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 26 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 14

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 14, a CaMgSiO4 powder having an average particle size of 10 μm, a MnS powder having an average particle size of 20 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Cu—P powder having an average particle size of 25 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 14, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 131 to 140 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 27 to 28, and conventional sintered alloys 40 to 42.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 131 to 140 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 27 to 28, and the conventional sintered alloys 40 to 42 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 14. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 14Component ratio of iron-basedComponent ratio of raw powder (mass %)sintered alloyCaCO3 powder(mass %)NumberAverage particleFe andofIron-based sinteredsize is describedCCu—PFeinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderpowderCaCO3CCuPimpurities(times)RemarksProducts131 0.05 (0.1 μm)1.00.7balance0.030.910.60.1balance77of the132 0.2 (0.1 μm)1.51.2balance0.191.441.10.1balance73present133 0.5 (0.6 μm)1.51.8balance0.481.461.60.2balance114invention134 1.0 (2 μm)2.01.8balance0.971.951.60.2balance203135 1.3 (0.6 μm)2.02.8balance1.271.932.50.3balance231136 1.5 (2 μm)2.02.8balance1.441.932.50.3balance211137 1.8 (18 μm)2.03.3balance1.721.9630.3balance274138 2.1 (2 μm)2.56.0balance1.952.485.40.6balance177139 2.5 (18 μm)2.58.0balance2.392.4550.6balance229140 3.0 (30 μm)3.09.0balance2.912.998.20.8balance310Comparative270.02* (40 μm*)12.8balance0.01*0.452.50.3balance2products28 3.5* (0.01 μm*)12.8balance3.43*0.452.50.3balance198decreaseinstrengthConventional40CaMgSi4:112.8balanceCaMgSi4:10.442.90.3balance32products41MnS:112.8balanceMnS:0.970.453.00.3balance5342CaF2:112.8balanceCaF2:10.443.00.3balance40
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 14, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 131 to 140 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 40 to 42 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 27 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 28 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 15

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm and a Fe-6% Cr-6% Mo-9% W-3% V-10% Co-1.5% C powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 15, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a dissociated ammonia gas atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 141 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 29 to 30, and a conventional sintered alloy 43.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 141 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 29 to 30, and the conventional sintered alloy 43 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 15. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 15Component ratio of raw powder(mass %)Fe—6%Cr—CaCO3 powder6%Mo—Component ratioAverage particle9%W—3%V—of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)size10%Co—Fe andNumber ofIron-based sinteredis described in1.5%Cinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderCaCO3CCrMoWCoVimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the141 0.5 (0.6 μm)balance0.481.5669103balance158presentinventionComparative290.02* (40 μm*)balance0.01*1.5669103balance18products30 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.43*1.5669103balance127decrease instrengthConventional43CaF2:1balanceCaF2:11.5669103balance26product
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 15, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 141 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 43 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 29 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 30 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 16

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-13% Cr-5% Nb-0.8% Si, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Co-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Co-30% Mo-10% Cr-3% Si, a Cr-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Cr-25% Co-25% W-11.5% Fe-1% Nb-1% Si-1.5% C, a Co powder having an average particle size of 30 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 16-1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 142 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 31 to 32, and a conventional sintered alloy 44 shown in Table 16-2.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 142 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 31 to 32, and the conventional sintered alloy 44 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 16-2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 16-1Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)CaCO3 powderAverage particle size isCo-basedCr-basedFe-basedIron-based sintereddescribed inMoalloyalloyNiCCoalloyFealloyparenthesis.powderpowder#powder#powderpowderpowderpowder#powderProduct of the142 0.5 (0.6 μm)9.0101230.83.310balancepresentinventionComparative310.02* (40 μm*)9.0101230.83.310balanceproducts32 3.5* (0.01 μm*)9.0101230.83.310balanceConventional44CaF2:19.0101230.83.310balanceproduct
Fe-based alloy powder#: Fe—13%Cr—5%Nb—0.8%Si

Co-based alloy powder#: Co—30%Mo—10%Cr—3%Si

Cr-based alloy powder#: Cr—25%Co—25%W—11.5%Fe—1%Nb—1%Si—1.5%C

The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.













TABLE 16-2













Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)
Number of












Fe and inevitable
piercing




















Iron-based sintered alloy
CaCO3
C
Cr
Mo
W
Ni
Si
Co
Nb
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Product of the present
142
0.47
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
250



invention


Comparative products
31
0.01*
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
14




32
3.47*
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
140
decrease in















strength


Conventional
44
CaF2:1
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
31



product







The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.







As is apparent from the results shown in Table 16-1 and Table 16-2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 142 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 44 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 31 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 32 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 17

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-13% Cr-5% Nb-0.8% Si, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Co-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Co-30% Mo-10% Cr-3% Si, a Cr-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Cr-25% Co-25% W-11.5% Fe-1% Nb-1% Si-1.5% C, a Co powder having an average particle size of 30 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 17-1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes and subjected to 18% Cu infiltration to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 143 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 33 to 34, and a conventional sintered alloy 45 shown in Table 17-2.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 143 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 33 to 34, and the conventional sintered alloy 45 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 17-2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 17-1Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)CaCO3 powderCo-Average particle sizebasedCr-basedFe-basedIron-based sinteredis described inMoalloyalloyNiCCoalloyFealloyparenthesis.powderpowder#powder#powderpowderpowderpowder#Infiltration CupowderProduct of the143 0.5 (0.6 μm)1.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balancepresentinventionComparative330.02* (40 μm*)1.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balanceproducts34 3.5* (0.01 μm*)1.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balanceConventional45CaF2:11.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balanceproduct
Fe-based alloy powder#: Fe—13%Cr—5%Nb—0.8%Si

Co-based alloy powder#: Co—30%Mo—10%Cr—3%Si

Cr-based alloy powder#: Cr—25%Co—25%W—115%Fe—1%Nb—1%Si—1.5%C

The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.













TABLE 17-2













Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)
Number of





















Iron-based sintered










Fe and inevitable
piercing



alloy
CaCO3
C
Cr
Mo
W
Ni
Si
Co
Nb
Cu
impurities
(times)
Remarks
























Product of the present
143
0.47
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
346



invention


Comparative products
33
0.01*
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
38




34
3.47*
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
205
decrease in
















strength


Conventional product
45
CaF2:1
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
50








The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.







As is apparent from the results shown in Table 17-1 and Table 17-2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 143 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 45 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 33 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 34 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 18

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Co powder having an average particle size of 30 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 18-1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 144 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 35 to 36, and a conventional sintered alloy 46 shown in Table 18-2.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 144 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 35 to 36, and the conventional sintered alloy 46 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 18-2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 18-1Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)CaCO3 powderAverage particle size isIron-based sintered alloydescribed in parenthesis.Mo powderNi powderC powderCo powderFe powderProduct of the present144 0.5 (0.6 μm)2.02.01.31.0balanceinventionComparative products350.02* (40 μm*)2.02.01.31.0balance36 3.5* (0.01 μm*)2.02.01.31.0balanceConventional product46CaF2:12.02.01.31.0balance
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.













TABLE 18-2













Component ratio of iron-based
Number




sintered alloy (mass %)
of





















Fe and inevitable
piercing



Iron-based sintered alloy
CaCO3
C
Mo
Ni
Co
impurities
(times)
Remarks



















Product
144
0.46
1.3
2
2
1
balance
287



of the present invention


Comparative products
35
0.01*
1.3
2
2
1
balance
27




36
3.43*
1.3
2
2
1
balance
167
decrease in











strength


Conventional product
46
CaF2:1
1.3
2
2
1
balance
37








The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.







As is apparent from the results shown in Table 18-1 and Table 18-2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 144 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 46 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 35 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 36 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 19

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm and a SUS316 (Fe-17% Cr-12% Ni-2.5% Mo) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 19, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 145 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 37 to 38, and a conventional sintered alloy 47.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 145 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 37 to 38, and the conventional sintered alloy 47 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 19. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 19Component ratio of raw powder(mass %)Component ratio ofSUS316iron-based sintered alloyCaCO3 powder(Fe—17%(mass %)Average particle sizeCr—12%Fe andNumber ofis described inNi—2.5%inevitablepiercingIron-based sintered alloyparenthesis.Mo) powderCaCO3CrNiMoimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the1450.5 (0.6 μm)balance0.4817.112.32.2balance175present inventionComparative370.02* (40 μm*)  balance0.01*17.112.32.2balance6products38  35* (0.01 μm*)balance3.43*17.112.32.2balance105decrease instrengthConventional47CaF2:1balanceCaF2:117.112.32.2balance15product
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 19, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 145 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 47 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 37 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 38 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 20

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm and a SUS430 (Fe-17% Cr) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 20, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 146 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 39 to 40, and a conventional sintered alloy 48.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 146 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 39 to 40, and the conventional sintered alloy 48 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 20. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 20Component ratioComponent ratioof iron-basedof raw powder (mass %)sintered alloy (mass %)CaCO3 powderSUS430Fe andNumber ofIron-basedAverage particle size is(Fe—17%inevitablepiercingsintered alloydescribed in parenthesis.Cr) powderCaCO3Crimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the present1460.5 (0.6 μm)balance0.4516.7balance193inventionComparative products390.02 (40 μm*) balance0.01*16.7balance2440  35* (0.01 μm*)balance3.43*16.7balance134decrease instrengthConventional product48CaF2:1balanceCaF2:116.7balance31
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 20, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 146 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 48 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 39 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 40 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 21

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm, a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm and a SUS410 (Fe-13% Cr) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 21, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 147 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 41 to 42, and a conventional sintered alloy 49.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 147 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 41 to 42, and the conventional sintered alloy 49 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 21. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 21Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedCaCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Average particle size isSUS410Fe andNumber ofIron-baseddescribed inC(Fe—13%inevitablepiercingsintered alloyparenthesis.powderCr) powderCaCO3CrCimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the1470.5 (0.6 μm)0.15balance0.4912.80.1balance157present inventionComparative410.02* (40 μm*)  0.15balance0.01*12.80.1balance10products42 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.15balance3.47*12.80.1balance115decrease instrengthConventional49CaF2:10.15balanceCaF2:112.80.1balance18product
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 21, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 147 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 49 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 41 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 42 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 22

As raw powders, a CaCO3 powder having an average particle size of 0.6 μm, a CaF2 powder having an average particle size of 36 μm and a SUS630 (Fe-17% Cr-4% Ni-4% Cu-0.3% Nb) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 22, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 148 of the present invention, comparative sintered alloys 43 to 44, and a conventional sintered alloy 50.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 148 of the present invention, the comparative sintered alloys 43 to 44, and the conventional sintered alloy 50 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 22. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 22Component ratio of raw powder(mass %)Component ratio of iron-based sinteredCaCO3 powderalloy (mass %)Average particle sizeFe andNumber ofIron-basedis described in#SUS630inevitablepiercingsintered alloyparenthesis.powderCaCO3CrNiCuNbimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the present1480.5 (0.6 μm)balance0.4516.84.140.3balance143inventionComparative products430.02* (40 μm*)  balance0.01*16.84.140.3balance1344 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.43*16.84.140.3balance108decrease instrengthConventional product50CaF2:1balanceCaF2:116.84.140.3balance16
#SUS630 (Fe—17% Cr—4% Ni—4% Cu—0.3% Nb)

The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 22, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 148 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 50 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 43 containing CaCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 44 containing CaCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 23

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 23 and a pure Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 23, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 149 to 158 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 45 to 46.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 149 to 158 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 45 to 46 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.030 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 23. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 23Component ratio ofComponent ratioiron-based sinteredof raw powder (mass %)alloy (mass %)SrCO3 powderFe andNumber ofIron-basedAverage particle size isinevitablepiercingsintered alloydescribed in parenthesis.Fe powderSrCO3impurities(times)RemarksProducts of the1490.05 (0.1 μm) balance0.05balance63present invention1500.2 (0.5 μm)balance0.19balance1301510.5 (1 μm)  balance0.49balance1451521.0 (1 μm)  balance0.98balance2121531.3 (0.5 μm)balance1.28balance1901541.5 (2 μm)  balance1.49balance2451551.8 (18 μm) balance1.80balance1971562.1 (2 μm)  balance2.09balance1881572.5 (18 μm) balance2.47balance2191583.0 (30 μm) balance2.99balance305Comparative450.02* (40 μm*)  balance0.01balance25products46 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.47*balance146decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 23, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 149 to 158 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 1 to 3 shown in Table 1 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 45 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 46 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 24

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 24 and a Fe-0.6 mass % P powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 24, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 159 to 168 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 47 to 48.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 159 to 168 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 47 to 48 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.030 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 24. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 24Component ratio of raw powderComponent ratio(mass %)of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Average particle size isFe-basedFe andNumber ofIron-baseddescribed inalloyinevitablepiercingsintered alloyparenthesis.powder#SrCO3Pimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the1590.05 (0.1 μm) balance0.040.55balance51present invention1600.2 (0.5 μm)balance0.180.58balance1211610.5 (1 μm)  balance0.490.53balance1671621.0 (1.0 μm)balance0.990.53balance1691631.3 (0.5 μm)balance1.280.57balance1481841.5 (2 μm)  balance1.480.57balance1781651.8 (18 μm) balance1.790.54balance1591662.1 (2 μm)  balance2.070.53balance1101672.5 (18 μm) balance2.490.55balance1351683.0 (30 μm) balance2.990.55balance178Comparative470.02* (40 μm*)  balance0.02*0.56balance28products48 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.48*0.54balance163decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder with the composition of Fe-0.6 mass % P


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 24, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 159 to 168 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 4 to 6 shown in Table 2 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 47 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 48 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 25

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 25, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 25, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 169 to 178 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 49 to 50.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 169 to 178 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 49 to 50 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.018 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 25. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 25Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Iron-basedAverage particleFe andNumber ofsinteredsize is describedCFeinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderInfiltration CuSrCO3CCuimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of1690.05 (0.1 μm) 0.13balance200.050.1219.5balance83the present1700.2 (0.5 μm)0.3balance200.200.2420.2balance130invention1710.5 (1 μm)  0.6balance200.490.5420.1balance1751721.0 (2 μm)  0.8balance200.970.7519.6balance2031731.3 (0.5 μm)1.1balance201.281.0519.9balance1821741.6 (2 μm)  1.1balance201.460.9920.4balance1921751.8 (18 μm) 1.1balance201.771.0519.8balance1831762.1 (2 μm)  1.1balance202.091.0720.0balance2091772.5 (18 μm) 1.1balance202.451.0719.7balance1971783.0 (30 μm) 1.2balance202.961.1519.9balance172Comparative490.02* (40 μm*)  1.1balance200.01*1.0420.3balance25products50 3.5* (0.01 μm*)1.1balance203.45*1.0619.6balance124decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 25, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 169 to 178 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 7 to 9 shown in Table 3 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 49 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 50 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 26

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 26, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 26, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes and subjected to 20% Cu infiltration to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 179 to 188 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 51 to 52.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 179 to 188 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 51 to 52 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.018 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 26. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 26Component ratioComponent ratio of raw powder (mass %)of iron-based sinteredSrCO3 powderalloy (mass %)Iron-basedAverage particle sizeFe andNumber ofsinteredis described inCinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderFe powderSrCO3Cimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the1790.05 (0.1 μm) 0.13balance0.050.12balance75present1800.2 (0.5 μm)0.3balance0.200.24balance110invention1810.5 (1 μm)  0.6balance0.490.54balance1561821.0 (2 μm)  0.8balance0.970.75balance1721831.3 (0.5 μm)1.1balance1.281.05balance1811841.5 (2 μm)  1.1balance1.460.99balance2051851.8 (18 μm) 1.1balance1.771.05balance1711862.1 (2 μm)  1.1balance2.091.07balance2201872.5 (18 μm) 1.1balance2.451.07balance1991883.0 (30 μm) 1.2balance2.961.15balance194Comparative510.02* (40 μm*)  1.1balance0.01*1.04balance15products52 3.5* (0.01 μm*)1.1balance3.45*1.06balance122decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 26, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 179 to 188 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 10 to 12 shown in Table 4 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 51 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 52 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 27

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 27, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Cu powder having an average particle size of 25 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 27, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 189 to 198 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 53 to 54.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 189 to 198 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 53 to 54 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.030 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 27. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 27Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Iron-basedAverage particle sizeFe andNumber ofsinteredis described inCuCFeinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderSrCO3CuCimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the1890.05 (0.1 μm) 0.20.13balance0.032.00.11balance48present1900.2 (0.5 μm)20.25balance0.182.10.22balance127invention1910.5 (1 μm)  20.98balance0.481.90.87balance1361921.0 (2 μm)  20.7balance0.962.00.68balance2251931.3 (0.5 μm)20.7balance1.252.00.64balance2471941.5 (2 μm)  40.7balance1.464.00.65balance2291951.8 (18 μm) 5.80.7balance1.775.70.67balance2131962.1 (2 μm)  40.7balance2.093.90.64balance2001972.5 (18 μm) 20.98balance2.482.00.92balance1791983.0 (30 μm) 21.2balance2.972.01.16balance154Comparative530.02* (40 μm*)  20.7balance0.01*1.90.67balance8products54 3.5* (0.01 μm*)20.7balance3.47*2.00.65balance148decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 27, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 189 to 198 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 13 to 15 shown in Table 5 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 53 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 54 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 28

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 28, a partially diffused Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-1.5% Cu-4.0% Ni-0.5% Mo and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 28, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 199 to 208 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 55 to 56.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 199 to 208 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 55 to 56 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 28. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 28Component ratio of raw powder(mass %)Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloySrCO3 powder(mass %)Iron-basedAverage particleFe-basedFe andNumber ofsinteredsize is described inCalloyinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowder#SrCO3CuCNiMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the199 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.13balance0.031.50.113.90.50balance51present200 0.2 (0.5 μm)0.25balance0.181.50.194.00.50balance148invention201 0.5 (1 μm)0.98balance0.461.50.854.00.50balance208202 1.0 (2 μm)0.5balance0.961.40.474.10.52balance308203 1.3 (0.5 μm)0.5balance1.251.50.454.00.50balance301204 1.5 (2 μm)0.5balance1.451.50.454.00.50balance315205 1.8 (18 μm)0.5balance1.721.50.474.00.49balance268206 2.1 (2 μm)0.5balance2.051.60.473.80.50balance298207 2.5 (18 μm)1.0balance2.441.50.904.00.50balance286208 3.0 (30 μm)1.2balance2.931.51.174.00.50balance248Comparative550.02* (40 μm*)0.5balance0.01*1.50.434.10.50balance9products56 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.5balance3.42*1.50.444.00.51balance130decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#partially diffused Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—1.5% Cu—4.0% Ni—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 28, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 199 to 208 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 16 to 18 shown in Table 6 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 55 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 56 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 29

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 29, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-1.5% Mo and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 29, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 209 to 218 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 57 to 58.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 209 to 218 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 57 to 58 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 29. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 29Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Iron-basedAverage particle sizeFe-basedFe andNumber ofsinteredis described inCalloyinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowder#SrCO3CMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the209 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.13balance0.040.111.48balance55present210 0.2 (0.5 μm)0.25balance0.180.191.48balance89invention211 0.5 (1 μm)0.98balance0.480.881.50balance83212 1.0 (2 μm)0.5balance0.980.451.51balance187213 1.3 (0.5 μm)0.5balance1.250.441.50balance214214 1.5 (2 μm)0.5balance1.460.471.51balance235215 1.8 (18 μm)0.5balance1.730.431.46balance210216 2.1 (2 μm)0.5balance2.010.481.48balance222217 2.5 (18 μm)1.0balance2.450.961.50balance156218 3.0 (30 μm)1.2balance2.931.131.48balance169Comparative570.02* (40 μm*)0.5balance0.01*0.451.50balance18products58 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.5balance3.47*0.461.50balance106decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—1.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 29, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 209 to 218 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 19 to 21 shown in Table 7 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 57 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 58 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 30

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 30, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-3.0% Cr-0.5% Mo and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 30, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an N2+5% H2 gas mixture under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 219 to 228 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 59 to 60.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 219 to 228 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 59 to 60 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 30. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 30Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-based sinteredSrCO3 powderalloy (mass %)Average particle sizeFe-basedFe andNumber ofIron-basedis described inCalloyinevitablepiercingsintered alloyparenthesis.powderpowder#SrCO3CCrMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the219 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.13balance0.030.113.00.50balance56present220 0.2 (0.5 μm)0.25balance0.190.193.00.50balance87invention221 0.5 (1 μm)0.98balance0.480.853.00.51balance98222 1.0 (2 μm)0.5balance0.970.473.00.50balance150223 1.3 (0.5 μm)0.5balance1.270.452.90.50balance203224 1.5 (2 μm)0.5balance1.440.453.00.51balance211225 1.8 (18 μm)0.5balance1.720.443.00.49balance175226 2.1 (2 μm)0.5balance1.950.443.10.48balance188227 2.5 (18 μm)1.0balance2.390.903.00.50balance142228 3.0 (30 μm)1.2Balance2.911.173.00.50balance111Comparative590.02* (40 μm*)0.5balance0.01*0.433.10.50balance2products60 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.5balance3.45*0.453.00.50balance98decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of: 80 μm with the composition of Fe—3.0% Cr—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 30, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 219 to 228 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 22 to 24 shown in Table 8 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 59 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 60 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 31

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 31, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-3.0% Cr-0.5% Mo, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 31, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an N2+5% H2 gas mixture under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 229 to 238 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 61 to 62.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 229 to 238 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 61 to 62 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 31. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 31Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloySrCO3 powder(mass %)NumberIron-basedAverage particleFe-basedFe andofsinteredsize is describedCNialloyinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderpowder#SrCO3CNiCrMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of229 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.130.2balance0.030.110.23.00.50balance57the present230 0.2 (0.5 μm)0.252balance0.190.191.92.80.50balance100invention231 0.5 (1 μm)0.984balance0.480.854.13.00.49balance125232 1.0 (2 μm)0.54balance0.970.474.03.00.50balance184233 1.3 (0.5 μm)0.54balance1.270.454.02.90.50balance122234 1.5 (2 μm)0.54balance1.440.454.03.00.49balance145235 1.8 (18 μm)0.54balance1.720.443.92.90.49balance144236 2.1 (2 μm)0.56balance1.950.446.03.00.50balance135237 2.5 (18 μm)1.08balance2.390.907.93.00.50balance126238 3.0 (30 μm)1.29.8balance2.911.179.83.00.50balance108Comparative610.02* (40 μm*)0.54balance0.01*0.434.03.00.50balance5products62 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.54balance3.45*0.454.03.00.50balance120decreasein strength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of: 80 μm with the composition of Fe—3.0% Cr—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 31, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 229 to 238 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 25 to 27 shown in Table 9 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 61 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 62 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 32

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 32, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-3.0% Cr-0.5% Mo, a Cu powder having an average particle size of 25 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 32, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an N2+5% H2 gas mixture under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 239 to 248 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 63 to 64.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 239 to 248 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 63 to 64 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 32. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 32Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)SrCO3 powderComponent ratio of iron-basedAveragesintered alloy (mass %)NumberIron-basedparticle size isFe-basedFe andofsintereddescribed inCuCNialloyinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderpowder#SrCO3CuCNiCrMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of239 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.20.130.2balance0.030.20.110.23.00.50balance31the present240 0.2 (0.5 μm)20.252balance0.192.10.222.03.00.50balance95invention241 0.5 (1 μm)20.984balance0.481.90.924.03.00.49balance108242 1.0 (2 μm)20.54balance0.972.00.474.03.10.51balance145243 1.3 (0.5 μm)20.54balance1.272.00.473.92.90.50balance149244 1.5 (2 μm)40.54balance1.444.00.454.03.00.50balance143245 1.8 (18 μm)5.80.54balance1.775.80.454.03.00.49balance136246 2.1 (2 μm)40.56balance2.044.00.446.03.00.50balance151247 2.5 (18 μm)21.08balance2.422.00.947.93.00.50balance140248 3.0 (30 μm)21.29.8balance2.962.01.159.83.00.50balance121Comparative630.02* (40 μm*)20.54balance0.01*1.90.464.13.00.50balance3products64 3.5*20.54balance3.46*2.00.454.03.00.50balance125decrease(0.01 μm*)in strength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.

#Fe-based alloy powder having a particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe—3.0% Cr—0.5% Mo


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 32, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 239 to 248 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 28 to 30 shown in Table 10 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 63 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 64 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 33

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 33, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 33, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 249 to 258 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 65 to 66.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 249 to 258 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 65 to 66 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 33. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 33Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)Iron-basedAverage particle sizeFe andNumber ofsinteredis described inCNiFeinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderSrCO3CNiimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the249 0.05 (0.1 μm)0.130.2balance0.040.120.2balance45present250 0.2 (0.5 μm)0.251balance0.240.231.0balance80invention251 0.5 (1 μm)0.983balance0.470.922.9balance86252 1.0 (2 μm)0.53balance0.980.463.0balance202253 1.3 (0.5 μm)0.53balance1.280.443.0balance136254 1.5 (2 μm)0.53balance1.470.473.0balance187255 1.8 (18 μm)0.53balance1.750.463.0balance196256 2.1 (2 μm)0.56balance2.060.456.0balance154257 2.5 (18 μm)1.08balance2.440.928.0balance136258 3.0 (30 μm)1.29.8balance2.981.139.8balance95Comparative650.02* (40 μm*)0.53balance0.01*0.453.0balance5products66 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.53balance3.49*0.453.0balance137decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 33, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 249 to 258 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 31 to 33 shown in Table 11 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 65 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 66 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 34

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 34, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 34, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 259 to 268 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 67 to 68. Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 259 to 268 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 67 to 68 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 34. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 34Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)NumberIron-basedAverage particleFe andofsinteredsize is describedCNiMoFeinevitablepiercingalloyin parenthesis.powderpowderpowderpowderSrCO3CNiMoimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of2590.05 (0.1 μm)0.130.20.2balance0.050.110.20.2balance55the present260 0.2 (0.5 μm)0.2510.3balance0.190.181.00.3balance101invention261 0.5 (1 μm)0.9840.5balance0.440.934.00.5balance103262 1.0 (2 μm)0.640.5balance0.980.554.00.5balance204263 1.3 (0.5 μm)0.640.5balance1.280.574.00.5balance214264 1.5 (2 μm)0.641balance1.480.543.91.0balance187265 1.8 (18 μm)0.643balance0.760.543.92.9balance169266 2.1 (2 μm)0.664.8balance1.940.546.04.7balance159267 2.5 (18 μm)1.080.5balance2.470.958.00.5balance128268 3.0 (30 μm)1.29.80.5balance2.951.149.80.5balance159Comparative670.02*0.640.5balance0.01*0.544.00.5balance9products(40 μm*)683.5*0.640.5balance3.46*0.544.00.5balance106decrease(6.01 μm*)in strength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 34, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 259 to 268 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 34 to 36 shown in Table 12 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 67 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 68 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 35

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 35, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Cu powder having an average particle size of 25 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 35, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 269 to 278 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 69 to 70.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 269 to 278 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 69 to 70 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 35. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 35Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-based sinteredSrCO3 powderalloy (mass %)Iron-basedAverage particle sizeFe andNumber ofsinteredis described inCuCNiFeinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderpowderSrCO3CuCNiimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of2690.05 (0.1 μm)0.20.130.2balance0.040.20.110.2balance49the present270 0.2 (0.5 μm)10.251balance0.191.00.211.0balance100invention271 0.5 (1 μm)10.983balance0.451.00.953.0balance128272 1.0 (2 μm)10.63balance0.960.990.553.0balance180273 1.3 (0.5 μm)20.63balance1.271.00.543.0balance184274 1.5 (2 μm)40.63balance1.484.00.552.9balance158275 1.8 (18 μm)5.80.63balance1.765.70.563.0balance179276 2.1 (2 μm)10.66balance1.951.00.556.0balance164277 2.5 (18 μm)11.08balance2.451.00.918.0balance155278 3.0 (30 μm)11.29.8balance2.961.01.169.8balance147Comparative690.02*10.63balance0.01*1.00.553.0balance10products(40 μm*)703.5*10.63balance3.44*1.00.553.0balance75decrease in(0.01 μm*)strength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 35, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 269 to 278 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 37 to 39 shown in Table 13 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 69 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 70 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred


EXAMPLE 36

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size shown in Table 36, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Cu—P powder having an average particle size of 25 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 36, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in an endothermic gas (ratio of components=H2: 40.5%, CO: 19.8%, CO2: 0.1%, CH: 0.5%, and N2: 39.1%) atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1120° C. and a retention time of 20 minutes to obtain iron-based sintered alloys 279 to 288 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 71 to 72.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloys 279 to 288 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 71 to 72 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 10000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.009 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 36. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 36Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powdersintered alloy (mass %)NumberIron-basedAverage particle sizeFe andofsinteredis described inCCu—PFeinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderpowderpowderSrCO3CCuPimpurities(times)RemarksProducts of the279 0.05 (0.1 μm)1.00.7balance0.030.900.60.1balance71present280 0.2 (0.5 μm)1.51.2balance0.171.421.10.1balance88invention281 0.5 (1 μm)1.51.8balance0.461.451.60.2balance102282 1.0 (2 μm)2.01.8balance0.951.951.60.2balance199283 1.3 (0.5 μm)2.02.8balance1.251.942.50.3balance240284 1.5 (2 μm)2.02.8balance1.441.932.50.3balance209285 1.8 (18 μm)2.03.3balance1.731.9430.3balance255286 2.1 (2 μm)2.56.0balance1.892.455.40.6balance190287 2.5 (18 μm)2.58.0balance2.402.4450.6balance202288 3.0 (30 μm)3.09.0balance2.922.978.20.8balance265Comparative710.02* (40 μm*)12.8balance0.01*0.442.50.3balance5products72 3.5* (0.01 μm*)12.8balance3.43*0.452.50.3balance169decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 36, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the sintered alloys 279 to 288 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloys 40 to 42 shown in Table 14 and therefore the sintered alloys of the present invention are excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 71 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 72 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 37

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 m and a Fe-6% Cr-6% Mo-9% W-3% V-10% Co-1.5% C powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 37, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a dissociated ammonia gas atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 289 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 73 to 74.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 289 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 73 to 74 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 37. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 37Component ratio of raw powder(mass %)Fe—6% Cr—SrCO3 powder6% Mo—Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloyAverage9% W—3% V—(mass %)Iron-basedparticle size10% Co—Fe andNumber ofsinteredis described in1.5% Cinevitablepiercingalloyparenthesis.powderSrCO3CCrMoWCoVimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the289 0.5 (1 μm)balance0.491.5669103balance150presentinventionComparative730.02* (40 μm*)balance0.01*1.5669103balance16products74 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.43*1.5669103balance121decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 37, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 289 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 43 shown in Table 15 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 73 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 74 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 38

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-13% Cr-5% Nb-0.8% Si, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Co-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Co-30% Mo-10% Cr-3% Si, a Cr-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Cr-25% Co-25% W-11.5% Fe-1% Nb-1% Si-1.5% C, a Co powder having an average particle size of 30 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 38-1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 290 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 75 to 76 shown in Table 38-2.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 290 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 75 to 76 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 38-2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 38-1Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)SrCO3 powderAverage particle sizeCo-basedCr-basedFe-basedis described inMoalloyalloyNiCCoalloyFeIron-based sintered alloyparenthesis.powderpowder#powder#powderpowderpowderpowder#powderProduct of the290 0.5 (1 μm)9.0101230.83.310balancepresent inventionComparative750.02* (40 μm*)9.0101230.83.310balanceproducts76 3.5* (0.01 μm*)9.0101230.83.310balance
Fe-based alloy powder#: Fe—13% Cr—5% Nb—0.8% Si

Co-based alloy powder#: Co—30% Mo—10% Cr—3% S

Cr-based alloy powder#: Cr—25% Co—25% W—11.5% Fe—1% Nb—1% Si—1.5% C

The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.













TABLE 38-2













Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)
Number of






























Fe and inevitable
piercing



Iron-based sintered alloy
SrCO3
C
Cr
Mo
W
Ni
Si
Co
Nb
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Product of the
290
0.47
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
265



present invention


Comparative
75
0.01*
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
18



products
76
3.47*
1
6
12
3
3
0.5
11.7
1.1
balance
152
decrease in















strength







The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.







As is apparent from the results shown in Table 38-1 and Table 38-2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 290 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 44 shown in Table 16-1 to Table 16-2 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 75 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 76 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 39

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 μm, a Fe-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Fe-13% Cr-5% Nb-0.8% Si, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Co-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Co-30% Mo-10% Cr-3% Si, a Cr-based alloy powder having an average particle size of 80 μm with the composition of Cr-25% Co-25% W-11.5% Fe-1% Nb-1% Si-1.5% C, a Co powder having an average particle size of 30 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 39-1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes and subjected to 18% Cu infiltration to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 291 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 77 to 78 shown in Table 39-2.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 291 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 77 to 78 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 39-2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 39-1Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)SrCO3 powderAverage particleCo-basedCr-basedFe-basedIron-basedsize is describedMoalloyalloyNiCCoalloyInfiltrationFesintered alloyin parenthesis.powderpowder#powder#powderpowderpowderpowder#CupowderProduct of the291 0.5 (1 μm)1.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balancepresentinventionComparative770.02* (40 μm*)1.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balanceproducts78 3.5* (0.01 μm*)1.55.019.03.01.54.49.018balance
Fe-based alloy powder#: Fe—13% Cr—5% Nb—0.8% Si

Co-based alloy powder#: Co—30% Mo—10% Cr—3% Si

Cr-based alloy powder#: Cr—25% Co—25% W—11.5% Fe—1% Nb—1% Si—1.5% C

The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.












TABLE 39-2













Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)
































Fe and
Number of



Iron-based










inevitable
piercing


sintered alloy
SrCO3
C
Cr
Mo
W
Ni
Si
Co
Nb
Cu
impurities
(times)
Remarks
























Product of the present
291
0.49
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
337



invention


Comparative products
77
0.01*
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
31




78
3.47*
1.8
8
3
4.8
5
0.4
12
1.1
18
balance
199
decrease in
















strength







The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.







As is apparent from the results shown in Table 39-1 and Table 39-2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 291 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 45 shown in Table 17-1 to Table 17-2 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 77 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 78 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 40

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 μm, a Fe powder having an average particle size of 80 μm, a Ni powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Mo powder having an average particle size of 3 μm, a Co powder having an average particle size of 30 μm and a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 40-1, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1150° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 292 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 79 to 80 shown in Table 40-2.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 292 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 79 to 80 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 40-2. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 40-1Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)SrCO3 powderAverage particle sizeis described inMoIron-based sintered alloyparenthesis.powderNi powderC powderCo powderFe powderProduct of the present invention292 0.5 (1 μm)2.02.01.31.0balanceComparative products790.02* (40 μm*)2.02.01.31.0balance80 3.5* (0.01 μm*)2.02.01.31.0balance
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.













TABLE 40-2













Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy





(mass %)
Number of





















Fe and inevitable
piercing 



Iron-based sintered alloy
SrCO3
C
Mo
Ni
Co
impurities
(times)
Remarks



















Product of the present invention
292
0.48
1.3
2
2
1
balance
278



Comparative products
79
0.01*
1.3
2
2
1
balance
23




80
3.45*
1.3
2
2
1
balance
160
decrease in











strength







The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.







As is apparent from the results shown in Table 40-1 and Table 40-2, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 292 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 46 shown in Table 18-1 to Table 18-2 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 79 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 80 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 41

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 μm and a SUS316 (Fe-17% Cr-12% Ni-2.5% Mo) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 41, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 293 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 81 to 82.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 293 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 81 to 82 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 41. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 41Component ratioComponent ratio of iron-basedof raw powder (mass %)sintered alloy (mass %)SUS316 (Fe—17%FeSrCO3 powderCr—12%andNumber ofIron-basedAverage particle size isNi—2.5% Mo)inevitablepiercingsintered alloydescribed in parenthesis.powderSrCO3CrNiMoimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the293 0.5 (1 μm)balance0.4617.112.32.2balance182presentinventionComparative810.02* (40 μm*)balance0.01*17.112.32.2balance8products82 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.45*17.112.32.2balance111decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 41, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 293 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 47 shown in 19 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 81 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 82 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 42

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 μm and a SUS430 (Fe-17% Cr) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 42, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 294 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 83 to 84.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 294 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 83 to 84 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 42. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 42Component ratio of raw powder(mass %)Component ratio of iron-basedSrCO3 powderSUS430sintered alloy (mass %)Number ofAverage particle size is(Fe—17% Cr)Fe and inevitablepiercingIron-based sintered alloydescribed in parenthesis.powderSrCO3Crimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the present294 0.5 (1 μm)balance0.4916.7balance201inventionComparative products830.02* (40 μm*)balance0.01*16.7balance2684 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.47*16.7balance141decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 42, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 294 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 48 shown in 20 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 83 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 84 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 43

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 μm, a C powder having an average particle size of 18 μm and a SUS410 (Fe-13% Cr) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 43, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 295 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 85 to 86.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 295 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 85 to 86 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 43. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 43Component ratio of iron-basedComponent ratio of raw powder (mass %)sintered alloy (mass %)SrCO3 powderSUS410Fe andNumber ofIron-basedAverage particle size isC(Fe—13% Cr)inevitablepiercingsintered alloydescribed in parenthesis.powderpowderSrCO3CrCimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the295 0.5 (1 μm)0.15balance0.4912.80.1balance147presentinventionComparative850.02* (40 μm*)0.15balance0.01*12.80.1balance7products86 3.5* (0.01 μm*)0.15balance3.47*12.80.1balance106decrease instrength
The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 43, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 295 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 49 shown in 21 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 85 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 86 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


EXAMPLE 44

As raw powders, a SrCO3 powder having an average particle size of 1 m and a SUS630 (Fe-17% Cr-4% Ni-4% Cu-0.3% Nb) powder having an average particle size of 80 μm were prepared. These raw powders were blended according to the formulation shown in Table 44, mixed in a double corn mixer and compacted to obtain a green compact, and then the resulting green compact was sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 0.1 Pa under the conditions of a temperature of 1200° C. and a retention time of 60 minutes to obtain an iron-based sintered alloy 296 of the present invention and comparative sintered alloys 87 to 88.


Cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test each having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 10 mm, made of the sintered alloy 296 of the present invention and the comparative sintered alloys 87 to 88 were produced and these cylindrical sintered alloy blocks for piercing test were repeatedly pierced until the drill is damaged, using a high-speed steel drill having a diameter of 1.2 mm, under the following conditions:

  • Rotating speed: 5000 rpm
  • Feed speed: 0.006 mm/rev.
  • Cutting oil: none (dry).


The number of piercing (maximum number of piercing, lifetime) of one new drill was measured. The results are shown in Table 44. Machinability was evaluated by the results.

TABLE 44Component ratioComponent ratioof raw powderof iron-based sintered alloy(mass %)(mass %)SrCO3 powderFeAverage particleandNumber ofsize is described#SUS630inevitablepiercingIron-based sintered alloyin parenthesis.powderSrCO3CrNiCuNbimpurities(times)RemarksProduct of the296 0.5 (1 μm)balance0.4516.84.140.3balance143present inventionComparative870.02* (40 μm*)balance0.01*16.84.140.3balance13products88 3.5* (0.01 μm*)balance3.43*16.84.140.3balance108decrease instrength
#SUS630 (Fe—17% Cr—4% Ni—4% Cu-0.3% Nb)

The symbol * means the value which is not within the scope of the present invention.


As is apparent from the results shown in Table 44, the number of piercing of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the sintered alloy 296 of the present invention is larger than that of the cylindrical sintered alloy block for piercing test made of the conventional sintered alloy 50 shown in 22 and therefore the sintered alloy of the present invention is excellent in machinability. However, the comparative sintered alloy 87 containing SrCO3 in the content of less than the range defined in the present invention is inferior in machinability because of small number of piercing, while the comparative sintered alloy 88 containing SrCO3 in the content of more than the range defined in the present invention is excellent in machinability because of large number of piercing, but shows drastically decreased deflection strength, and therefore it is not preferred.


INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The iron-based sintered alloy containing a machinability improving component comprising CaCO3 and the iron-based sintered alloy containing a machinability improving component comprising SrCO3 according to the present invention are excellent in machinability. Therefore, in various electric and machine components made of the iron-based sintered alloys of the present invention, the cost of machining such as piercing, cutting or grinding can be reduced. Thus, the present invention can contribute largely toward the development of mechanical industry by providing various machine components, which require dimensional accuracy, at low cost.

Claims
  • 1. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability, comprising 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate.
  • 2. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 3. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 4. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 5. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 10 to 25% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 6. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 7. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 8. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 9. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 10. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 11. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 12. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 13. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 14. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 15. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 1.0 to 3.0% by mass of C, 0.5 to 8% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 16. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W and 1 to 6% by mass of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 17. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W, 1 to 6% by mass of V and 5 to 14% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 18. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 19. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, and 10 to 20% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 20. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 3% by mass of Mo, 0.05 to 5% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 2% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 21. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr and 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 22. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of one or more kinds selected from among 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr, 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, 0.5 to 7% by mass of Mo and 0.5 to 4% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 23. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate and 10 to 33% by mass of Cr, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 24. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 10 to 33% by mass of Cr and 0.5 to 3% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 25. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 10 to 19% by mass of Cr and 0.05 to 1.3% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 26. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 27. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of calcium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 2 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 0.5% by mass of Nb and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of Al, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 28. The iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 1, wherein the calcium carbonate is dispersed at grain boundary in a basis material of the iron-based sintered alloy.
  • 29. A method for preparing the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 1, which comprises compacting a raw powder mixture containing 0.05 to 3% by mass of a calcium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm as a raw powder to obtain a green compact and sintering the resulting green compact in a nonoxidizing gas atmosphere.
  • 30. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability, comprising 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate.
  • 31. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 32. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 33. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate and 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 34. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 10 to 25% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 35. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 36. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 37. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 38. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 39. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 40. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Cr and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 41. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 42. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 6% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 43. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.1 to 1.2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 6% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 10% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 44. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 1.0 to 3.0% by mass of C, 0.5 to 8% by mass of Cu and 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 45. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W and 1 to 6% by mass of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 46. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2.5% by mass of C, 0.5 to 12% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 9% by mass of Mo, 3 to 14% by mass of W, 1 to 6% by mass of V and 5 to 14% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 47. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 48. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.5 to 10% by mass of Cr, 0.3 to 16% by mass of Mo and 0.1 to 5% by mass of Ni, one or more kinds selected from among 1 to 5% by mass of W, 0.05 to 1% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 18% by mass of Co and 0.05 to 2% by mass of Nb, and 10 to 20% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 49. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 0.3 to 2% by mass of C, 0.1 to 3% by mass of Mo, 0.05 to 5% by mass of Ni and 0.1 to 2% by mass of Co, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 50. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr and 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 51. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of one or more kinds selected from among 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 15 to 27% by mass of Cr, 3 to 29% by mass of Ni, 0.5 to 7% by mass of Mo and 0.5 to 4% by mass of Cu, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 52. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate and 10 to 33% by mass of Cr, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 53. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 10 to 33% by mass of Cr and 0.5 to 3% by mass of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 54. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 10 to 19% by mass of Cr and 0.05 to 1.3% by mass of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 55. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 56. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability with the composition consisting of 0.05 to 3% by mass of strontium carbonate, 14 to 19% by mass of Cr and 2 to 8% by mass of Ni, and one or more kinds selected from among 2 to 6% by mass of Cu, 0.1 to 0.5% by mass of Nb and 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of Al, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
  • 57. The iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 30, wherein the strontium carbonate is dispersed at grain boundary in a basis material of the iron-based sintered alloy.
  • 58. A method for preparing the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 30, which comprises compacting a raw powder mixture containing 0.05 to 3% by mass of a strontium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm as a raw powder to obtain a green compact and sintering the resulting green compact in a nonoxidizing gas atmosphere.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
2003-62854 Mar 2003 JP national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind 371c Date
PCT/JP04/03094 3/10/2004 WO 9/8/2005