Consolidation of tungsten-coated copper composite powder

Powder metallurgy (P/M) methods have expanded in recent years to include net-shape fabrication of W–Cu components. Sintering of W–Cu compacts made from previous powders has led to low density and copper bleedout. This paper presents test results on the consolidation of a new powder containing particles composed of a tungsten-coated copper core. This powder effectively eliminates copper bleedout at sintering thereby making possible the net-shape manufacturing of parts. Sintered articles are characterized by microstructural homogeneity and properties comparable to those of infiltrated W–Cu composites.