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
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This is a U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2004/003094 filed Mar. 10, 2004, and claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-62854 filed Mar. 10, 2003 which is incorporated by reference herein. The International Application published in Japanese on Sep. 23, 2004 as WO 2004/003094 A1 under PCT Article 21(2).


TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability which is used as materials for various machine components.


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 1










Component




Component ratio of raw powder
ratio of iron-based



(mass %)
sintered alloy (mass %)














CaCO3 powder


Fe and
Number of




Average particle size is


inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
described in parenthesis.
Fe powder
CaCO3
impurities
(times)
Remarks

















Products of the
1
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
balance
0.03
balance
59



present invention
2
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
balance
0.18
balance
137




3
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
balance
0.48
balance
155




4
 1.0 (2 μm)
balance
0.95
balance
203




5
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
balance
1.26
balance
196




6
 1.5 (2 μm)
balance
1.48
balance
236




7
 1.8 (18 μm)
balance
1.76
balance
213




8
 2.1 (2 μm)
balance
1.99
balance
176




9
 2.5 (18 μm)
balance
2.43
balance
222




10 
 3.0 (30 μm)
balance
2.97
balance
310



Comparative
1
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01
balance
23



products
2
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
 3.45*
balance
114
decrease in









strength


Conventional
1
CaMgSi4: 1
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
balance
38



products
2
MnS: 1
balance
MnS: 0.97
balance
27




3
CaF2: 1
balance
CaF2: 1
balance
25






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 2









Component ratio of
Component ratio of




raw powder
iron-based sintered alloy



(mass %)
(mass %)















CaCO3 powder



Fe





Average particle
Fe-based


and
Number of


Iron-based sintered
size is described
alloy


inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder#
CaCO3
P
impurities
(times)
Remarks


















Products of the
11
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
balance
0.03
0.55
balance
51



present invention
12
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
balance
0.18
0.58
balance
119




13
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
balance
0.48
0.53
balance
158




14
 1.0 (2 μm)
balance
0.95
0.53
balance
176




15
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
balance
1.28
0.57
balance
140




16
 1.5 (2 μm)
balance
1.48
0.57
balance
131




17
 1.8 (18 μm)
balance
1.76
0.54
balance
167




18
 2.1 (2 μm)
balance
1.99
0.53
balance
121




19
 2.5 (18 μm)
balance
2.42
0.55
balance
137




20
 3.0 (30 μm)
balance
2.97
0.55
balance
186



Comparative
3
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
 0.01*
0.56
balance
27



products
4
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
 3.42*
0.54
balance
125
decrease in










strength


Conventional
4
CaMgSi4: 1
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.55
balance
33



products
5
MnS: 1
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.55
balance
35




6
CaF2: 1
balance
CaF2: 1
0.55
balance
22






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 3









Component ratio of
Component ratio of iron-based




raw powder (mass %)
sintered alloy (mass %)
















CaCO3 powder




Fe





Average particle




and
Number of


Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
Fe


inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
CaCO3
C
impurities
(times)
Remarks



















Products of the
21
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.03
0.11
balance
80



present invention
22
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.3
balance
0.17
0.24
balance
102




23
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.6
balance
0.47
0.54
balance
95




24
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.8
balance
0.94
0.55
balance
135




25
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
1.1
balance
1.22
1.02
balance
197




26
 1.5 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
1.43
0.99
balance
208




27
 1.8 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
1.69
1.05
balance
191




28
 2.1 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
2.09
1.03
balance
220




29
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
2.3 
1.03
balance
174




30
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.91
1.15
balance
180



Comparative
5
0.02* (40 μm*)
1.1
balance
 0.01*
1.04
balance
22



products
6
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1.1
balance
 3.38*
1.01
balance
126
decrease in











strength


Conventional
7
CaMgSi4: 1 (10 μm)
1.1
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
1.04
balance
37



products
8
MnS: 1 (20 μm)
1.1
balance
MnS: 0.97
1.04
balance
45




9
CaF2: 1 (36 μm)
1.1
balance
CaF2: 1
1.04
balance
29






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 4










Component ratio of iron-based sintered




Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
alloy (mass %)


















CaCO3 powder






Fe
Number




Average particle






and
of


Iron-based sintered
size is described


Infiltration



inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
C powder
Fe powder
Cu
CaCO3
C
Cu
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of the
31
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
20
0.05
0.12
19.5
balance
78



present
32
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.3
balance
20
0.20
0.24
20.2
balance
126



invention
33
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.6
balance
20
0.49
0.54
20.1
balance
186




34
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.8
balance
20
0.97
0.75
19.6
balance
201




35
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
1.1
balance
20
1.28
1.05
19.9
balance
210




36
 1.5 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
20
1.46
0.99
20.4
balance
176




37
 1.8 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
20
1.77
1.05
19.8
balance
197




38
 2.1 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
20
2.09
1.07
20.0
balance
189




39
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
20
2.45
1.07
19.7
balance
160




40
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
20
2.96
1.15
19.9
balance
152



Comparative
7
0.02* (40 μm*)
1.1
balance
20
 0.01*
1.04
20.3
balance
23



products
8
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1.1
balance
20
 3.45*
1.06
19.6
balance
112
decrease













in













strength


Conventional
10
CaMgSi4: 1 (10 μm)
1.1
balance
20
CaMgSi4: 1
1.04
19.8
balance
41



products
11
MnS: 1 (20 μm)
1.1
balance
20
MnS: 0.97
1.04
19.8
balance
48




12
CaF2: 1 (36 μm)
1.1
balance
20
CaF2: 1
1.04
19.9
balance
32






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 5










Component ratio of




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


















CaCO3 powder






Fe
Number




Average particle






and
of


Iron-based sintered
size is described
Cu
C
Fe



inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
CaCO3
Cu
C
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of the
41
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.2
0.13
balance
0.03
2.0
0.11
balance
53



present
42
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
2
0.25
balance
0.17
2.1
0.22
balance
122



invention
43
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
2
0.98
balance
0.47
1.9
0.87
balance
129




44
 1.0 (2 μm)
2
0.7
balance
0.94
2.0
0.66
balance
235




45
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
2
0.7
balance
1.22
2.0
0.64
balance
250




46
 1.5 (2 μm)
4
0.7
balance
1.43
4.0
0.65
balance
220




47
 1.8 (18 μm)
5.8
0.7
balance
1.69
5.7
0.65
balance
203




48
 2.1 (2 μm)
4
0.7
balance
2.09
3.9
0.64
balance
190




49
 2.5 (18 μm)
2
0.98
balance
2.3 
2.0
0.88
balance
145




50
 3.0 (30 μm)
2
1.2
balance
2.91
2.0
1.15
balance
179



Comparative
9
0.02* (40 μm*)
2
0.7
balance
 0.01*
1.9
0.65
balance
10



products
10
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
2
0.7
balance
 3.45*
2.0
0.64
balance
108
decrease in













strength


Conventional
13
CaMgSi4: 1
2
0.7
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
2.0
0.66
balance
20



products
14
MnS: 1
2
0.7
balance
MnS: 0.97
2.0
0.64
balance
14




15
CaF2: 1
2
0.7
balance
CaF2: 1
2.0
0.64
balance
9






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 6









Component ratio
Component ratio




of raw powder (mass %)
of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)



















CaCO3 powder







Fe
Number




Average particle

Fe-based





and
of


Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
alloy





inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder#
CaCO3
Cu
C
Ni
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks






















Products of the
51
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.03
1.5
0.11
3.9
0.50
balance
48



present
52
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.25
balance
0.18
1.5
0.19
4.0
0.50
balance
153



invention
53
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.98
balance
0.46
1.5
0.85
4.0
0.50
balance
214




54
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
0.96
1.4
0.47
4.1
0.52
balance
300




55
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
0.5
balance
1.25
1.5
0.45
4.0
0.50
balance
287




56
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.45
1.5
0.45
4.0
0.50
balance
324




57
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
balance
1.72
1.5
0.47
4.0
0.49
balance
274




58
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.89
1.6
0.47
3.8
0.50
balance
257




59
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
balance
2.32
1.5
0.90
4.0
0.50
balance
231




60
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.89
1.5
1.17
4.0
0.50
balance
267



Comparative
11
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
balance
 0.01*
1.5
0.43
4.1
0.50
balance
5



products
12
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
balance
 3.45*
1.5
0.44
4.0
0.51
balance
87
decrease in














strength


Conventional
16
CaMgSi4: 1
0.5
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
1.5
0.46
4.0
0.50
balance
17



products
17
MnS: 1
0.5
balance
MnS: 0.97
1.5
0.47
4.0
0.50
balance
35




18
CaF2: 1
0.5
balance
CaF2: 1
1.5
0.45
4.0
0.48
balance
8






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 7









Component
Component ratio of




ratio of raw powder (mass %)
iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)

















CaCO3 powder





Fe
Number




Average particle

Fe-based



and
of


Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
alloy



inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder#
CaCO3
C
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks




















Products of the
61
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.03
0.11
1.50
balance
48



present invention
62
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.25
balance
0.19
0.19
1.48
balance
85




63
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.98
balance
0.48
0.85
1.50
balance
71




64
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
0.97
0.46
1.50
balance
214




65
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
0.5
balance
1.27
0.47
1.50
balance
225




66
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.44
0.45
1.51
balance
201




67
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
balance
1.72
0.45
1.46
balance
228




68
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.95
0.44
1.50
balance
219




69
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
balance
2.39
0.90
1.50
balance
170




70
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.91
1.17
1.53
balance
148



Comparative
13
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
balance
 0.01*
0.43
1.51
balance
12



products
14
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
balance
 3.45*
0.44
1.50
balance
81
decrease












in












strength


Conventional
19
CaMgSi4: 1
0.5
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.46
1.51
balance
20



products
20
MnS: 1
0.5
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.47
1.50
balance
23




21
CaF2: 1
0.5
balance
CaF2: 1
0.44
1.48
balance
16






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 8









Component
Component ratio of




ratio of raw powder (mass %)
iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)


















CaCO3 powder






Fe
Number




Average particle

Fe-based




and
of


Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
alloy




inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder#
CaCO3
C
Cr
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of the
71
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.03
0.11
3.0
0.50
balance
31



present
72
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.25
balance
0.19
0.19
3.0
0.50
balance
105



invention
73
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.98
balance
0.48
0.85
3.0
0.49
balance
121




74
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
0.97
0.47
3.0
0.50
balance
163




75
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
0.5
balance
1.27
0.45
2.9
0.50
balance
186




76
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.44
0.45
3.0
0.51
balance
151




77
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
balance
1.72
0.44
3.0
0.49
balance
185




78
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.95
0.44
3.1
0.50
balance
196




79
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
balance
2.39
0.90
3.0
0.50
balance
103




80
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.91
1.17
3.0
0.50
balance
88



Comparative
15
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
balance
 0.01*
0.43
3.1
0.50
balance
3



products
16
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
balance
 3.45*
0.45
3.0
0.51
balance
89
decrease in













strength


Conventional
22
CaMgSi4: 1
0.5
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.46
3.0
0.50
balance
16



products
23
MnS: 1
0.5
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.47
3.1
0.50
balance
13




24
CaF2: 1
0.5
balance
CaF2: 1
0.44
3.0
0.50
balance
8






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 9










Component ratio of




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




















CaCO3 powder








Fe
Number




Average particle


Fe-based





and
of


Iron-based sintered
size is described


alloy





inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
C powder
Ni powder
powder#
CaCO3
C
Ni
Cr
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Products of the
81
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
0.2
balance
0.03
0.11
0.2
3.0
0.50
balance
65



present
82
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.25
2
balance
0.19
0.19
2.0
3.0
0.50
balance
93



invention
83
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.98
4
balance
0.48
0.85
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
89




84
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
4
balance
0.97
0.47
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
135




85
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
0.5
4
balance
1.27
0.45
3.9
2.9
0.50
balance
112




86
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
4
balance
1.44
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.51
balance
125




87
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
4
balance
1.72
0.44
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
140




88
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
6
balance
1.95
0.44
6.0
3.1
0.50
balance
177




89
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
8
balance
2.39
0.90
7.9
3.0
0.50
balance
133




90
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
9.8
balance
2.91
1.17
9.8
3.0
0.50
balance
109



Comparative
17
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
4
balance
 0.01*
0.43
4.1
3.1
0.50
balance
3



products
18
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
4
balance
 3.45*
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.51
balance
101
decrease in















strength


Conventional
25
CaMgSi4: 1
0.5
4
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.46
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
6



products
26
MnS: 1
0.5
4
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.47
4.0
3.1
0.50
balance
8




27
CaF2: 1
0.5
4
balance
CaF2: 1
0.44
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
8






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 10









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)













CaCO3 powder
Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)
Number























Average particle
Cu


Fe-






Fe and
of



Iron-based
size is described
pow-
C
Ni
based






inevitable
piercing


sintered alloy
in parenthesis.
der
powder
powder
alloy #
CaCO3
Cu
C
Ni
Cr
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks

























Products
91
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.2
0.13
0.2
balance
0.03
0.2
0.11
0.2
3.0
0.50
balance
34



of the
92
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
2
0.25
2
balance
0.19
2.1
0.19
2.0
3.0
0.50
balance
87



present
93
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
2
0.98
4
balance
0.48
1.9
0.85
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
95



invention
94
 1.0 (2 μm)
2
0.5
4
balance
0.97
2.0
0.47
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
150




95
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
2
0.5
4
balance
1.27
2.0
0.45
3.9
2.9
0.50
balance
138




96
 1.5 (2 μm)
4
0.5
4
balance
1.44
4.0
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.51
balance
143




97
 1.8 (18 μm)
5.8
0.5
4
balance
1.72
5.8
0.44
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
139




98
 2.1 (2 μm)
4
0.5
6
balance
1.95
4.0
0.44
6.0
3.1
0.50
balance
155




99
 2.5 (18 μm)
2
1.0
8
balance
2.39
2.0
0.90
7.9
3.0
0.50
balance
132




100
 3.0 (30 μm)
2
1.2
9.8
balance
2.91
2.0
1.17
9.8
3.0
0.50
balance
129



Com-
19
0.02* (40 μm*)
2
0.5
4
balance
 0.01*
1.9
0.43
4.1
3.0
0.50
balance
2



parative
20
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
2
0.5
4
balance
 3.45*
2.0
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.51
balance
119
decrease


products














in strength


Con-
28
CaMgSi4: 1
2
0.5
4
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
2.0
0.46
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
8



ventional
29
MnS: 1
2
0.5
4
balance
MnS: 0.97
2.0
0.47
4.0
3.1
0.50
balance
4



products
30
CaF2: 1
2
0.5
4
balance
CaF2: 1
2.0
0.44
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
11






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 11









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based












CaCO3 powder
sintered alloy (mass %)













Average particle
Fe and
Number of


















Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
Ni
Fe



inevitable
piercing



alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
CaCO3
C
Ni
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of
101
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
0.2
balance
0.03
0.11
0.2
balance
43



the present
102
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.25
1
balance
0.19
0.19
1.0
balance
84



invention
103
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.98
3
balance
0.48
0.93
2.9
balance
79




104
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
3
balance
0.97
0.44
3.0
balance
128




105
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
0.5
3
balance
1.27
0.44
3.0
balance
114




106
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
3
balance
1.44
0.45
3.0
balance
202




107
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
3
balance
1.72
0.45
3.0
balance
187




108
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
6
balance
1.95
0.45
6.0
balance
168




109
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
8
balance
2.39
0.90
8.0
balance
126




110
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
9.8
balance
2.91
1.11
9.8
balance
99



Comparative
21
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
3
balance
0.01*
0.45
3.0
balance
5



products
22
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
3
balance
3.45*
0.45
3.0
balance
143
decrease in













strength


Conventional
31
CaMgSi4: 1
0.5
3
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.44
2.9
balance
17



products
32
MnS: 1
0.5
4
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.45
3.0
balance
20




33
CaF2: 1
0.5
4
balance
CaF2: 1
0.44
3.0
balance
12






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 12









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)












CaCO3 powder
Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy













Average
(mass %)
Number













particle size is
Fe and
of

















Iron-based sintered
described in
C
Ni
Mo
Fe

inevitable
piercing




















alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
powder
CaCO3
C
Ni
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Products of the
111
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
0.2
0.2
balance
0.03
0.11
0.2
0.2
balance
55



present
112
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
0.25
1
0.3
balance
0.19
0.19
1.0
0.3
balance
91



invention
113
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.98
4
0.5
balance
0.48
0.91
4.0
0.5
balance
103




114
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
0.97
0.55
4.0
0.5
balance
170




115
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
1.27
0.56
4.0
0.5
balance
227




116
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.6
4
1
balance
1.44
0.54
3.9
1.0
balance
198




117
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.6
4
3
balance
1.72
0.54
3.9
2.7
balance
164




118
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.6
6
4.8
balance
1.95
0.55
6.0
4.8
balance
144




119
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
8
0.5
balance
2.39
0.92
8.0
0.5
balance
159




120
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
9.8
0.5
balance
2.91
1.14
9.8
0.5
balance
166



Comparative
23
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
0.01*
0.54
4.0
0.5
balance
11



products
24
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
3.45*
0.54
4.0
0.5
balance
91
decrease in















strength


Conventional
34
CaMgSi4: 1
0.6
4
0.5
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.54
4.0
0.5
balance
22



products
35
MnS: 1
0.6
4
0.5
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.55
4.0
0.5
balance
31




36
CaF2: 1
0.6
4
0.5
balance
CaF2: 1
0.55
4.0
0.5
balance
28






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 13









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)












CaCO3 powder
Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy













Average
(mass %)
Number













particle size is
Fe and
of

















Iron-based sintered
described in
Cu
C
Ni
Fe

inevitable
piercing




















alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
powder
CaCO3
Cu
C
Ni
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Products of the
121
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.2
0.13
0.2
balance
0.03
0.2
0.11
0.2
balance
46



present
122
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
1
0.25
1
balance
0.17
1.0
0.21
1.0
balance
104



invention
123
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
1
0.98
3
balance
0.47
1.0
0.91
3.0
balance
136




124
 1.0 (2 μm)
1
0.6
3
balance
0.94
0.99
0.55
3.0
balance
157




125
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
2
0.8
3
balance
1.22
1.0
0.54
3.0
balance
180




126
 1.5 (2 μm)
4
0.6
3
balance
1.43
4.0
0.55
2.9
balance
166




127
 1.8 (18 μm)
5.8
0.6
3
balance
1.69
5.7
0.56
3.0
balance
192




128
 2.1 (2 μm)
1
0.6
6
balance
1.09
1.0
0.55
6.0
balance
153




129
 2.5 (18 μm)
1
1.0
8
balance
2.3
1.0
0.91
8.0
balance
193




130
 3.0 (30 μm)
1
1.2
9.8
balance
2.91
1.0
1.13
9.8
balance
179



Comparative
25
0.02* (40 μm*)
1
0.6
3
balance
0.01*
1.0
0.55
3.0
balance
7



products
26
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1
0.6
3
balance
3.45*
1.0
0.55
3.0
balance
79
decrease in















strength


Conventional
37
CaMgSi4: 1
1
0.6
3
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
1.0
0.55
3.0
balance
12



products
38
MnS: 1
1
0.6
3
balance
MnS: 0.97
1.0
0.54
3.0
balance
15




39
CaF2: 1
1
0.6
3
balance
CaF2: 1
1.0
0.55
3.0
balance
9






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 14









Component ratio of iron-based












Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
sintered alloy













CaCO3 powder
(mass %)
Number













Average particle
Fe and
of



















Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
Cu-P
Fe




inevitable
piercing



alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
CaCO3
C
Cu
P
impurities
(times)
Remarks






















Products
131
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
1.0
0.7
balance
0.03
0.91
0.6
0.1
balance
77



of the
132
 0.2 (0.1 μm)
1.5
1.2
balance
0.19
1.44
1.1
0.1
balance
73



present
133
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
1.5
1.8
balance
0.48
1.46
1.6
0.2
balance
114



invention
134
 1.0 (2 μm)
2.0
1.8
balance
0.97
1.95
1.6
0.2
balance
203




135
 1.3 (0.6 μm)
2.0
2.8
balance
1.27
1.93
2.5
0.3
balance
231




136
 1.5 (2 μm)
2.0
2.8
balance
1.44
1.93
2.5
0.3
balance
211




137
 1.8 (18 μm)
2.0
3.3
balance
1.72
1.96
3
0.3
balance
274




138
 2.1 (2 μm)
2.5
6.0
balance
1.95
2.48
5.4
0.6
balance
177




139
 2.5 (18 μm)
2.5
8.0
balance
2.39
2.45
5
0.6
balance
229




140
 3.0 (30 μm)
3.0
9.0
balance
2.91
2.99
8.2
0.8
balance
310



Comparative
27
0.02* (40 μm*)
1
2.8
balance
0.01*
0.45
2.5
0.3
balance
2



products
28
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1
2.8
balance
3.43*
0.45
2.5
0.3
balance
198
decrease














in














strength


Conventional
40
CaMgSi4: 1
1
2.8
balance
CaMgSi4: 1
0.44
2.9
0.3
balance
32



products
41
MnS: 1
1
2.8
balance
MnS: 0.97
0.45
3.0
0.3
balance
53




42
CaF2: 1
1
2.8
balance
CaF2: 1
0.44
3.0
0.3
balance
40






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 15









Component ratio of raw powder




(mass %)










Fe-6% Cr-













CaCO3 powder
6% Mo-
Component ratio




Average particle
9% W-3% V-
of iron-based sintered alloy (mass %)















size
10% Co-

Fe and
Number of




















Iron-based sintered
is described in
1.5% C







inevitable
piercing



alloy
parenthesis.
powder
CaCO3
C
Cr
Mo
W
Co
V
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Product of the
141
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
balance
0.48
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
158



present


invention


Comparative
29
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
18



products
30
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.43*
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
127
decrease in















strength


Conventional
43
CaF2: 1
balance
CaF2: 1
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
26



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 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 16-1









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)

















CaCO3 powder











Average particle size is

Co-based
Cr-based



Fe-based


Iron-based sintered
described in
Mo
alloy
alloy
Ni
C
Co
alloy
Fe


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder#
powder#
powder
powder
powder
powder#
powder




















Product of the
142
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance


present


invention


Comparative
31
0.02* (40 μm*)
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance


products
32
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance


Conventional
44
CaF2: 1
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance


product





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 17-1









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)











CaCO3 powder
Co-















Average particle size
based
Cr-based

Fe-based


















Iron-based sintered
is described in
Mo
alloy
alloy
Ni
C
Co
alloy

Fe


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder#
powder#
powder
powder
powder
powder#
Infiltration Cu
powder





















Product of the
143
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance


present


invention


Comparative
33
0.02* (40 μm*)
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance


products
34
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance


Conventional
45
CaF2: 1
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance


product





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 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 18-1









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)









CaCO3 powder



Average particle size is













Iron-based sintered alloy
described in parenthesis.
Mo powder
Ni powder
C powder
Co powder
Fe powder

















Product of the present
144
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance


invention


Comparative products
35
0.02* (40 μm*)
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance



36
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance


Conventional product
46
CaF2: 1
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance





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 19









Component ratio of raw powder





(mass %)
Component ratio of













SUS316
iron-based sintered alloy




CaCO3 powder
(Fe-17%
(mass %)

















Average particle size
Cr-12%




Fe and
Number of




is described in
Ni-2.5%




inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
parenthesis.
Mo) powder
CaCO3
Cr
Ni
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks




















Product of the
145
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
balance
0.48
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
175



present invention


Comparative
37
0.02* (40 μm*)  
balance
0.01*
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
6



products
38
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.43*
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
105
decrease in












strength


Conventional
47
CaF2: 1
balance
CaF2: 1
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
15



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 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 20










Component ratio




Component ratio
of iron-based



of raw powder (mass %)
sintered alloy (mass %)















CaCO3 powder
SUS430


Fe and
Number of




Average particle size is
(Fe-17%


inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
described in parenthesis.
Cr) powder
CaCO3
Cr
impurities
(times)
Remarks


















Product of the present
146
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
balance
0.45
16.7
balance
193



invention


Comparative products
39
0.02 (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
16.7
balance
24



40
  35* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.43*
16.7
balance
134
decrease in










strength


Conventional product
48
CaF2: 1
balance
CaF2: 1
16.7
balance
31





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 21









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based














CaCO3 powder

sintered alloy (mass %)



















Average particle size is

SUS410



Fe and
Number of




described in
C
(Fe-13%



inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder
Cr) powder
CaCO3
Cr
C
impurities
(times)
Remarks




















Product of the
147
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
0.15
balance
0.49
12.8
0.1
balance
157



present invention


Comparative
41
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.15
balance
0.01*
12.8
0.1
balance
10



products
42
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.15
balance
3.47*
12.8
0.1
balance
115
decrease in












strength


Conventional
49
CaF2: 1
0.15
balance
CaF2: 1
12.8
0.1
balance
18



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 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 22









Component ratio of raw powder





(mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based sintered











CaCO3 powder
alloy (mass %)



















Average particle size






Fe and
Number of




is described in
#SUS630





inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder
CaCO3
Cr
Ni
Cu
Nb
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Product of the present
148
 0.5 (0.6 μm)
balance
0.45
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
143



invention


Comparative products
43
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
13




44
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.43*
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
108
decrease in













strength


Conventional product
50
CaF2: 1
balance
CaF2: 1
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
16






#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 23










Component ratio of




Component ratio
iron-based sintered



of raw powder (mass %)
alloy (mass %)














SrCO3 powder


Fe and
Number of




Average particle size is


inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
described in parenthesis.
Fe powder
SrCO3
impurities
(times)
Remarks

















Products of the
149
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
balance
0.05
balance
63



present invention
150
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
balance
0.19
balance
130




151
 0.5 (1 μm)
balance
0.49
balance
145




152
 1.0 (1 μm)
balance
0.98
balance
212




153
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
balance
1.28
balance
190




154
 1.5 (2 μm)
balance
1.49
balance
245




155
 1.8 (18 μm)
balance
1.80
balance
197




156
 2.1 (2 μm)
balance
2.09
balance
188




157
 2.5 (18 μm)
balance
2.47
balance
219




158
 3.0 (30 μm)
balance
2.99
balance
305



Comparative
45
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01
balance
25



products
46
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.47*
balance
146
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 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 24









Component ratio of raw powder
Component ratio




(mass %)
of iron-based












SrCO3 powder

sintered alloy (mass %)
















Average particle size is
Fe-based


Fe and
Number of




described in
alloy


inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder#
SrCO3
P
impurities
(times)
Remarks


















Products of the
159
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
balance
0.04
0.55
balance
51



present invention
160
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
balance
0.18
0.58
balance
121




161
 0.5 (1 μm)
balance
0.49
0.53
balance
167




162
 1.0 (1.0 μm)
balance
0.99
0.53
balance
169




163
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
balance
1.28
0.57
balance
148




184
 1.5 (2 μm)
balance
1.48
0.57
balance
178




165
 1.8 (18 μm)
balance
1.79
0.54
balance
159




166
 2.1 (2 μm)
balance
2.07
0.53
balance
110




167
 2.5 (18 μm)
balance
2.49
0.55
balance
135




168
 3.0 (30 μm)
balance
2.99
0.55
balance
178



Comparative
47
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.02*
0.56
balance
28



products
48
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.48*
0.54
balance
163
decrease in










strength





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 25









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based













SrCO3 powder

sintered alloy (mass %)



















Average particle






Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
Fe




inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
Infiltration Cu
SrCO3
C
Cu
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of
169
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
20
0.05
0.12
19.5
balance
83



the present
170
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.3
balance
20
0.20
0.24
20.2
balance
130



invention
171
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.6
balance
20
0.49
0.54
20.1
balance
175




172
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.8
balance
20
0.97
0.75
19.6
balance
203




173
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
1.1
balance
20
1.28
1.05
19.9
balance
182




174
 1.6 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
20
1.46
0.99
20.4
balance
192




175
 1.8 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
20
1.77
1.05
19.8
balance
183




176
 2.1 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
20
2.09
1.07
20.0
balance
209




177
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
20
2.45
1.07
19.7
balance
197




178
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
20
2.96
1.15
19.9
balance
172



Comparative
49
0.02* (40 μm*)
1.1
balance
20
0.01*
1.04
20.3
balance
25



products
50
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1.1
balance
20
3.45*
1.06
19.6
balance
124
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 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 26










Component ratio




Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
of iron-based sintered












SrCO3 powder

alloy (mass %)

















Average particle size




Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
C



inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
Fe powder
SrCO3
C
impurities
(times)
Remarks



















Products of the
179
0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.05
0.12
balance
75



present
180
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.3
balance
0.20
0.24
balance
110



invention
181
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.6
balance
0.49
0.54
balance
156




182
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.8
balance
0.97
0.75
balance
172




183
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
1.1
balance
1.28
1.05
balance
181




184
 1.5 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
1.46
0.99
balance
205




185
 1.8 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
1.77
1.05
balance
171




186
 2.1 (2 μm)
1.1
balance
2.09
1.07
balance
220




187
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.1
balance
2.45
1.07
balance
199




188
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.96
1.15
balance
194



Comparative
51
0.02* (40 μm*)
1.1
balance
0.01*
1.04
balance
15



products
52
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1.1
balance
3.45*
1.06
balance
122
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 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 27









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based













SrCO3 powder

sintered alloy (mass %)



















Average particle size






Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
Cu
C
Fe



inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
SrCO3
Cu
C
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of the
189
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.2
0.13
balance
0.03
2.0
0.11
balance
48



present
190
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
2
0.25
balance
0.18
2.1
0.22
balance
127



invention
191
 0.5 (1 μm)
2
0.98
balance
0.48
1.9
0.87
balance
136




192
 1.0 (2 μm)
2
0.7
balance
0.96
2.0
0.68
balance
225




193
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
2
0.7
balance
1.25
2.0
0.64
balance
247




194
 1.5 (2 μm)
4
0.7
balance
1.46
4.0
0.65
balance
229




195
 1.8 (18 μm)
5.8
0.7
balance
1.77
5.7
0.67
balance
213




196
 2.1 (2 μm)
4
0.7
balance
2.09
3.9
0.64
balance
200




197
 2.5 (18 μm)
2
0.98
balance
2.48
2.0
0.92
balance
179




198
 3.0 (30 μm)
2
1.2
balance
2.97
2.0
1.16
balance
154



Comparative
53
0.02* (40 μm*)
2
0.7
balance
0.01*
1.9
0.67
balance
8



products
54
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
2
0.7
balance
3.47*
2.0
0.65
balance
148
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 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 28









Component ratio of raw powder





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











SrCO3 powder
(mass %)




















Average particle

Fe-based





Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
size is described in
C
alloy





inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder#
SrCO3
Cu
C
Ni
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks






















Products of the
199
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.03
1.5
0.11
3.9
0.50
balance
51



present
200
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.25
balance
0.18
1.5
0.19
4.0
0.50
balance
148



invention
201
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.98
balance
0.46
1.5
0.85
4.0
0.50
balance
208




202
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
0.96
1.4
0.47
4.1
0.52
balance
308




203
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
0.5
balance
1.25
1.5
0.45
4.0
0.50
balance
301




204
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.45
1.5
0.45
4.0
0.50
balance
315




205
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
balance
1.72
1.5
0.47
4.0
0.49
balance
268




206
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
2.05
1.6
0.47
3.8
0.50
balance
298




207
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
balance
2.44
1.5
0.90
4.0
0.50
balance
286




208
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.93
1.5
1.17
4.0
0.50
balance
248



Comparative
55
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
balance
0.01*
1.5
0.43
4.1
0.50
balance
9



products
56
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
balance
3.42*
1.5
0.44
4.0
0.51
balance
130
decrease in














strength





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 29









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based












SrCO3 powder
sintered alloy (mass %)


















Average particle size

Fe-based



Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
C
alloy



inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder#
SrCO3
C
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks




















Products of the
209
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.04
0.11
1.48
balance
55



present
210
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.25
balance
0.18
0.19
1.48
balance
89



invention
211
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.98
balance
0.48
0.88
1.50
balance
83




212
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
0.98
0.45
1.51
balance
187




213
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
0.5
balance
1.25
0.44
1.50
balance
214




214
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.46
0.47
1.51
balance
235




215
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
balance
1.73
0.43
1.46
balance
210




216
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
2.01
0.48
1.48
balance
222




217
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
balance
2.45
0.96
1.50
balance
156




218
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
balance
2.93
1.13
1.48
balance
169



Comparative
57
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
balance
0.01*
0.45
1.50
balance
18



products
58
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
balance
3.47*
0.46
1.50
balance
106
decrease 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-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 30









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based sintered












SrCO3 powder
alloy (mass %)



















Average particle size

Fe-based




Fe and
Number of



Iron-based
is described in
C
alloy




inevitable
piercing


sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder#
SrCO3
C
Cr
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of the
219
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
balance
0.03
0.11
3.0
0.50
balance
56



present
220
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.25
balance
0.19
0.19
3.0
0.50
balance
87



invention
221
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.98
balance
0.48
0.85
3.0
0.51
balance
98




222
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
0.97
0.47
3.0
0.50
balance
150




223
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
0.5
balance
1.27
0.45
2.9
0.50
balance
203




224
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.44
0.45
3.0
0.51
balance
211




225
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
balance
1.72
0.44
3.0
0.49
balance
175




226
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
balance
1.95
0.44
3.1
0.48
balance
188




227
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
balance
2.39
0.90
3.0
0.50
balance
142




228
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
Balance
2.91
1.17
3.0
0.50
balance
111



Comparative
59
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
balance
0.01*
0.43
3.1
0.50
balance
2



products
60
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
balance
3.45*
0.45
3.0
0.50
balance
98
decrease 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 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 31









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













SrCO3 powder
(mass %)
Number





















Average particle


Fe-based





Fe and
of



Iron-based
size is described
C
Ni
alloy





inevitable
piercing


sintered alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder#
SrCO3
C
Ni
Cr
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Products of
229
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
0.2
balance
0.03
0.11
0.2
3.0
0.50
balance
57



the present
230
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.25
2
balance
0.19
0.19
1.9
2.8
0.50
balance
100



invention
231
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.98
4
balance
0.48
0.85
4.1
3.0
0.49
balance
125




232
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
4
balance
0.97
0.47
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
184




233
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
0.5
4
balance
1.27
0.45
4.0
2.9
0.50
balance
122




234
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
4
balance
1.44
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
145




235
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
4
balance
1.72
0.44
3.9
2.9
0.49
balance
144




236
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
6
balance
1.95
0.44
6.0
3.0
0.50
balance
135




237
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
8
balance
2.39
0.90
7.9
3.0
0.50
balance
126




238
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
9.8
balance
2.91
1.17
9.8
3.0
0.50
balance
108



Comparative
61
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
4
balance
0.01*
0.43
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
5



products
62
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
4
balance
3.45*
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
120
decrease















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 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 32









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)













SrCO3 powder
Component ratio of iron-based





Average
sintered alloy (mass %)
Number






















particle size is



Fe-based






Fe and
of



Iron-based
described in
Cu
C
Ni
alloy






inevitable
piercing


sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
powder#
SrCO3
Cu
C
Ni
Cr
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks

























Products
239
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.2
0.13
0.2
balance
0.03
0.2
0.11
0.2
3.0
0.50
balance
31



of the
240
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
2
0.25
2
balance
0.19
2.1
0.22
2.0
3.0
0.50
balance
95



present
241
 0.5 (1 μm)
2
0.98
4
balance
0.48
1.9
0.92
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
108



invention
242
 1.0 (2 μm)
2
0.5
4
balance
0.97
2.0
0.47
4.0
3.1
0.51
balance
145




243
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
2
0.5
4
balance
1.27
2.0
0.47
3.9
2.9
0.50
balance
149




244
 1.5 (2 μm)
4
0.5
4
balance
1.44
4.0
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
143




245
 1.8 (18 μm)
5.8
0.5
4
balance
1.77
5.8
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.49
balance
136




246
 2.1 (2 μm)
4
0.5
6
balance
2.04
4.0
0.44
6.0
3.0
0.50
balance
151




247
 2.5 (18 μm)
2
1.0
8
balance
2.42
2.0
0.94
7.9
3.0
0.50
balance
140




248
 3.0 (30 μm)
2
1.2
9.8
balance
2.96
2.0
1.15
9.8
3.0
0.50
balance
121



Compara-
63
0.02* (40 μm*)
2
0.5
4
balance
0.01*
1.9
0.46
4.1
3.0
0.50
balance
3



tive
64
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
2
0.5
4
balance
3.46*
2.0
0.45
4.0
3.0
0.50
balance
125
decrease


products














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 33









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based












SrCO3 powder
sintered alloy (mass %)



















Average particle size






Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
C
Ni
Fe



inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
SrCO3
C
Ni
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Products of the
249
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
0.2
balance
0.04
0.12
0.2
balance
45



present
250
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.25
1
balance
0.24
0.23
1.0
balance
80



invention
251
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.98
3
balance
0.47
0.92
2.9
balance
86




252
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.5
3
balance
0.98
0.46
3.0
balance
202




253
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
0.5
3
balance
1.28
0.44
3.0
balance
136




254
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.5
3
balance
1.47
0.47
3.0
balance
187




255
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.5
3
balance
1.75
0.46
3.0
balance
196




256
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.5
6
balance
2.06
0.45
6.0
balance
154




257
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
8
balance
2.44
0.92
8.0
balance
136




258
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
9.8
balance
2.98
1.13
9.8
balance
95



Comparative
65
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.5
3
balance
0.01*
0.45
3.0
balance
5



products
66
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.5
3
balance
3.49*
0.45
3.0
balance
137
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 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 34









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based













SrCO3 powder
sintered alloy (mass %)
Number





















Average particle








Fe and
of



Iron-based sintered
size is described
C
Ni
Mo
Fe




inevitable
piercing


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
powder
SrCO3
C
Ni
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Products of
259
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.13
0.2
0.2
balance
0.05
0.11
0.2
0.2
balance
55



the present
260
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
0.25
1
0.3
balance
0.19
0.18
1.0
0.3
balance
101



invention
261
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.98
4
0.5
balance
0.44
0.93
4.0
0.5
balance
103




262
 1.0 (2 μm)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
0.98
0.55
4.0
0.5
balance
204




263
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
1.28
0.57
4.0
0.5
balance
214




264
 1.5 (2 μm)
0.6
4
1
balance
1.48
0.54
3.9
1.0
balance
187




265
 1.8 (18 μm)
0.6
4
3
balance
0.76
0.54
3.9
2.9
balance
169




266
 2.1 (2 μm)
0.6
6
4.8
balance
1.94
0.54
6.0
4.7
balance
159




267
 2.5 (18 μm)
1.0
8
0.5
balance
2.47
0.95
8.0
0.5
balance
128




268
 3.0 (30 μm)
1.2
9.8
0.5
balance
2.95
1.14
9.8
0.5
balance
159



Comparative
67
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
0.01*
0.54
4.0
0.5
balance
9



products
68
 3.5* (6.01 μm*)
0.6
4
0.5
balance
3.46*
0.54
4.0
0.5
balance
106
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 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 35









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based sintered












SrCO3 powder
alloy (mass %)





















Average particle size








Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
Cu
C
Ni
Fe




inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
powder
SrCO3
Cu
C
Ni
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Products of
269
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
0.2
0.13
0.2
balance
0.04
0.2
0.11
0.2
balance
49



the present
270
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
1
0.25
1
balance
0.19
1.0
0.21
1.0
balance
100



invention
271
 0.5 (1 μm)
1
0.98
3
balance
0.45
1.0
0.95
3.0
balance
128




272
 1.0 (2 μm)
1
0.6
3
balance
0.96
0.99
0.55
3.0
balance
180




273
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
2
0.6
3
balance
1.27
1.0
0.54
3.0
balance
184




274
 1.5 (2 μm)
4
0.6
3
balance
1.48
4.0
0.55
2.9
balance
158




275
 1.8 (18 μm)
5.8
0.6
3
balance
1.76
5.7
0.56
3.0
balance
179




276
 2.1 (2 μm)
1
0.6
6
balance
1.95
1.0
0.55
6.0
balance
164




277
 2.5 (18 μm)
1
1.0
8
balance
2.45
1.0
0.91
8.0
balance
155




278
 3.0 (30 μm)
1
1.2
9.8
balance
2.96
1.0
1.16
9.8
balance
147



Comparative
69
0.02* (40 μm*)
1
0.6
3
balance
0.01*
1.0
0.55
3.0
balance
10



products
70
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1
0.6
3
balance
3.44*
1.0
0.55
3.0
balance
75
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 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 36









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based













SrCO3 powder
sintered alloy (mass %)
Number




















Average particle size







Fe and
of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
C
Cu-P
Fe




inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder
powder
SrCO3
C
Cu
P
impurities
(times)
Remarks






















Products of the
279
 0.05 (0.1 μm)
1.0
0.7
balance
0.03
0.90
0.6
0.1
balance
71



present
280
 0.2 (0.5 μm)
1.5
1.2
balance
0.17
1.42
1.1
0.1
balance
88



invention
281
 0.5 (1 μm)
1.5
1.8
balance
0.46
1.45
1.6
0.2
balance
102




282
 1.0 (2 μm)
2.0
1.8
balance
0.95
1.95
1.6
0.2
balance
199




283
 1.3 (0.5 μm)
2.0
2.8
balance
1.25
1.94
2.5
0.3
balance
240




284
 1.5 (2 μm)
2.0
2.8
balance
1.44
1.93
2.5
0.3
balance
209




285
 1.8 (18 μm)
2.0
3.3
balance
1.73
1.94
3
0.3
balance
255




286
 2.1 (2 μm)
2.5
6.0
balance
1.89
2.45
5.4
0.6
balance
190




287
 2.5 (18 μm)
2.5
8.0
balance
2.40
2.44
5
0.6
balance
202




288
 3.0 (30 μm)
3.0
9.0
balance
2.92
2.97
8.2
0.8
balance
265



Comparative
71
0.02* (40 μm*)
1
2.8
balance
0.01*
0.44
2.5
0.3
balance
5



products
72
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1
2.8
balance
3.43*
0.45
2.5
0.3
balance
169
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 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 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 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 37









Component ratio of raw powder




(mass %)













Fe-6% Cr-





SrCO3 powder
6% Mo-
Component ratio of iron-based sintered alloy



Average
9% W-3% V-
(mass %)




















particle size
10% Co-







Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
is described in
1.5% C







inevitable
piercing


alloy
parenthesis.
powder
SrCO3
C
Cr
Mo
W
Co
V
impurities
(times)
Remarks























Product of the
289
 0.5 (1 μm)
balance
0.49
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
150



present


invention


Comparative
73
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
16



products
74
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.43*
1.5
6
6
9
10
3
balance
121
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 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 38-1









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)

















SrCO3 powder











Average particle size

Co-based
Cr-based



Fe-based



is described in
Mo
alloy
alloy
Ni
C
Co
alloy
Fe


Iron-based sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder
powder#
powder#
powder
powder
powder
powder#
powder




















Product of the
290
 0.5 (1 μm)
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance


present invention


Comparative
75
0.02* (40 μm*)
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance


products
76
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
9.0
10
12
3
0.8
3.3
10
balance





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 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 39-1









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)


















SrCO3 powder












Average particle

Co-based
Cr-based



Fe-based


Iron-based sintered
size is described
Mo
alloy
alloy
Ni
C
Co
alloy
Infiltration
Fe


alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
powder#
powder#
powder
powder
powder
powder#
Cu
powder





















Product of the
291
 0.5 (1 μm)
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance


present


invention


Comparative
77
0.02* (40 μm*)
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance


products
78
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
1.5
5.0
19.0
3.0
1.5
4.4
9.0
18
balance





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














inevitable
piercing


Iron-based 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 40-1









Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)














SrCO3 powder








Average particle size



is described in
Mo


Iron-based sintered alloy
parenthesis.
powder
Ni powder
C powder
Co powder
Fe powder

















Product of the present invention
292
 0.5 (1 μm)
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance


Comparative products
79
0.02* (40 μm*)
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance



80
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.0
balance





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 41









Component ratio of raw powder
Component ratio of iron-based




(mass %)
sintered alloy (mass %)


















SUS316 (Fe-17%




Fe





SrCO3 powder
Cr-12%




and
Number of


Iron-based sintered
Average particle size is
Ni-2.5% Mo)




inevitable
piercing


alloy
described in parenthesis.
powder
SrCO3
Cr
Ni
Mo
impurities
(times)
Remarks




















Product of the
293
 0.5 (1 μm)
balance
0.46
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
182



present


invention


Comparative
81
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
8



products
82
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.45*
17.1
12.3
2.2
balance
111
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 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 42









Component ratio of raw powder





(mass %)
Component ratio of iron-based













SrCO3 powder
SUS430
sintered alloy (mass %)
Number of
















Average particle size is
(Fe-17% Cr)


Fe and inevitable
piercing



Iron-based sintered alloy
described in parenthesis.
powder
SrCO3
Cr
impurities
(times)
Remarks


















Product of the present
294
 0.5 (1 μm)
balance
0.49
16.7
balance
201



invention


Comparative products
83
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
16.7
balance
26




84
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.47*
16.7
balance
141
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 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 43










Component ratio of iron-based




Component ratio of raw powder (mass %)
sintered alloy (mass %)

















SrCO3 powder

SUS410



Fe and
Number of



Iron-based sintered
Average particle size is
C
(Fe-13% Cr)



inevitable
piercing


alloy
described in parenthesis.
powder
powder
SrCO3
Cr
C
impurities
(times)
Remarks




















Product of the
295
 0.5 (1 μm)
0.15
balance
0.49
12.8
0.1
balance
147



present


invention


Comparative
85
0.02* (40 μm*)
0.15
balance
0.01*
12.8
0.1
balance
7



products
86
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
0.15
balance
3.47*
12.8
0.1
balance
106
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 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 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 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 44









Component ratio
Component ratio




of raw powder
of iron-based sintered alloy



(mass %)
(mass %)


















SrCO3 powder






Fe





Average particle






and
Number of



size is described
#SUS630





inevitable
piercing


Iron-based sintered alloy
in parenthesis.
powder
SrCO3
Cr
Ni
Cu
Nb
impurities
(times)
Remarks





















Product of the
296
 0.5 (1 μm)
balance
0.45
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
143



present invention


Comparative
87
0.02* (40 μm*)
balance
0.01*
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
13



products
88
 3.5* (0.01 μm*)
balance
3.43*
16.8
4.1
4
0.3
balance
108
decrease in













strength





#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, 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.
  • 2. An iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability, 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.
  • 3. The iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 1, wherein the calcium carbonate is dispersed at grain boundaries in a in a matrix of the iron-based sintered alloy.
  • 4. A method for preparing the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: compacting a raw powder mixture containing metal powders of Fe, Cr and Ni, and 0.05 to 3% by mass of a calcium carbonate powder to obtain a green compact, the calcium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm as a raw powder; andsintering the resulting green compact in a nonoxidizing gas atmosphere.
  • 5. The iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 2, wherein the calcium carbonate is dispersed at grain boundaries in a matrix of the iron-based sintered alloy.
  • 6. A method for preparing the iron-based sintered alloy having excellent machinability according to claim 2, comprising the steps of: a raw powder mixture containing metal powders of Fe, Cr and Ni, and 0.05 to 3% by mass of a calcium carbonate powder to obtain a green compact, the calcium carbonate powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 30 μm as a raw powder; andsintering the resulting green compact in a nonoxidizing gas atmosphere.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
2003-062854 Mar 2003 JP national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind 371c Date
PCT/JP2004/003094 3/10/2004 WO 00 9/8/2005
Publishing Document Publishing Date Country Kind
WO2004/081249 9/23/2004 WO A
US Referenced Citations (6)
Number Name Date Kind
3069758 Wulff Dec 1962 A
5525293 Kagawa et al. Jun 1996 A
5534220 Purnell et al. Jul 1996 A
5679909 Kaneko et al. Oct 1997 A
6264718 Akagi et al. Jul 2001 B1
6436338 Qiao Aug 2002 B1
Foreign Referenced Citations (7)
Number Date Country
03-267354 Nov 1991 JP
7-505446 Jun 1995 JP
8-260113 Oct 1996 JP
2001-98291 Apr 2001 JP
1585069 Aug 1990 SU
1 724 436 Apr 1992 SU
WO-9319875 Oct 1993 WO
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20060198752 A1 Sep 2006 US