Stay ahead of the curve

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S u n’s “New PM” to remain at the forefront of modern manufacturing

by C onnie Y oung

Powder metallurgy, also known as PM, is a manufacturing process that involves the production of metal parts through the use of metal powders. This process offers a number of advantages over traditional metalworking techniques. For one, it allows for the production of complex parts with intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to create through other means. Additionally, powder metallurgy can result in parts with superior mechanical properties, such as increased strength, toughness, and wear resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where high performance is critical, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. PM is also a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process, as it generates less waste and uses less energy compared to traditional manufacturing methods. For these reasons, the development trend of the PM industry has received the attention of industry leaders and politicians around the world.

Mr. Liyu Sun, VP of GKN Powder Metallurgy (Asia), a leading global manufacturer of metal powders and powder metallurgy parts, believes that the key driver behind the development trend of the PM industry is an industry-wide understanding of the challenges facing the automotive industry today and tomorrow. “The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of powder metallurgy products.

If you look inside a car engine, you will find crucial components such as the connecting rods, camshafts, and gears are all made using PM technologies,” said Sun. “As the automotive industry continues to evolve and become more focused on sustainability, the powder metallurgy industry has to play an even greater role in the production of high-quality automotive components,” he continued. Sun plans to lead GNK and ride the next wave by applying what he calls the “New PM” strategy, where “P stands for production techniques, and M stands for materials.” Over the years, Sun has invented many new production techniques that offer improved efficiency, reduced waste, and lower costs. Utilizing these proprietary production technologies, GNK is able to stay ahead of its competitors and remain a global leader in powder metallurgy by offering its customers (ZF, Siemens, Honda, etc.) the best possible products at a competitive price.

The other component of Sun’s “New PM” strategy is the development of new materials. As the demand for high-performance metal components grows, new materials with improved properties are needed to meet these requirements. By focusing on the development of new materials, Sun ensures that GNK can create products that offer superior performance and durability compared to traditional materials. “I believe we are uniquely positioned to leverage our extensive experience in supplying the automotive industry and innovative manufacturing processes, to meet the increasing demand for a stable supply of vital EV components. This requires the development of new materials as the internal components of an electric motor are very different from what you would see inside an internal combustion engine,” said Sun. Today, GNK is one of the very few major players in the PM industry that has the capability to tailor powder blends and pre-alloyed materials to fit the needs of both traditional vehicle and EV manufacturers.

Another trend in the powder metallurgy industry is the increasing use of automation and digitalization. As with many manufacturing processes, PM is becoming more automated, with robots and other machines handling many of the repetitive tasks involved in producing metal parts. This not only improves efficiency and reduces costs but also improves quality by reducing the risk of human error. Once again, Sun managed to stay ahead of the curve as he has made several inventions in the factory and production management software system. “PM is increasingly being integrated with digital technologies such as 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD), which allow for faster and more precise production of metal parts. This trend is expected to continue as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market,” Sun said.

The powder metallurgy industry is experiencing significant growth and development as manufacturers seek to take advantage of the many advantages offered by this manufacturing process. Trends such as the use of advanced materials, automation and digitalization, sustainability, miniaturization, lightweight components, and customization are all driving innovation and growth in the PM industry. As these trends continue to evolve and new technologies are developed, we can expect a new PM industry, envisioned by the industry’s top experts such as Mr. Sun to remain at the forefront of modern manufacturing.