Abstract

Densification behavior and grain growth of tool steel powder compacts during pressureless sintering, sinter forging, and hot isostatic pressing were investigated. Experimental data were compared with results of finite element calculations by using the constitutive model of Abouaf and co-workers and that of McMeeking and co-workers. Densification and deformation of tool steel powder compacts were studied by implementing power-law creep, diffusional creep, and grain growth into the finite element analysis. The shape change of a powder compact in the container during hot isostatic pressing was also studied. The theoretical models did not agree well with experimental data in sinter forging, however, agreed well with experimental data in hot isostatic pressing.