In this chapter, the fundamental concepts of different types of extrusion presses and major press components are discussed. An outline of the recently integrated system, from billet furnaces and log shears to age ovens and stacking equipment to control the entire manufacturing process with high productivity, is also included. The major press and tooling components of basic types of extrusion presses for making solid sections, bars, strips, rods, tubes, and hollow sections are shown. Auxiliary and handling equipment is discussed.

This chapter discusses many aspects of extrusion die and tooling, including the terminology and function of extrusion die and tooling, the types of dies, the fundamentals of die design, manufacturing, correction, material, and the surface treatments of die bearings and tribology in extrusion dies. It then presents the fundamentals and function of finite-element modeling simulation. The chapter describes the role of tribology and thermodynamics in the die bearing to control the flow and dimensional stability of extrusion exiting the die.

This chapter discusses the extrusion technology of soft- and medium-strength aluminum alloys. The relative extrudability ratings of some soft- and medium-grade alloys are given. The chapter presents useful extrusion parameters and their relationships associated with day-to-day production practices in the aluminum extrusion industry. Useful parameters discussed include: extrusion runout; extrusion pressure; ram or extrusion speed control; and butt or extrusion discard thickness control. The chapter provides fundamental approaches to introducing and developing the design of experiments (DOE) for the aluminum extrusion plant to improve overall productivity. It also focuses on heat treatment of aluminum alloys.

This chapter discusses the extrusion technology of hard alloys. The chapter provides an overview of hollow extrusion for aerospace application. It presents extrusion defects related to hard alloys. The chapter describes the extrusion quality requirements for aerospace applications. It also discusses extrusion of aluminum-matrix composites. The chapter outlines the powder metallurgy process for making billets for extrusion.

In this chapter, process control of each operational stage is discussed, with a detailed process-control flow diagram to provide a better understanding and to create a process-control document of each operational process stage. This chapter also presents fundamental ideas of a complete process- and quality-control framework system of an aluminum extrusion plant, starting from alloy and billet making to the final heat treatment process parameters required to bring the extrusion to the final alloy and temper designation to meet product requirements.

This chapter discusses the scope of research and development in aluminum extrusion technology. Research in the key technology areas of friction, thermodynamics, and die wear are discussed. The chapter also highlights future developments in extrusion technology.

This chapter presents guidelines that should be considered when designing inductor coils. It provides a detailed description of typical inductor coil shapes, including outer and inner field inductors, single-turn and multi-turn inductors, pancake inductors, hairpin inductors, double-hairpin inductors, channel or slot inductors, fork inductors, spoon inductors, powerline inductors, magnetic field concentrators, multiple inductors, folding inductors, and shielding gas inductors. The chapter provides an overview of inductor tube dimensions and inductor coil positioning. It also describes the design and fabrication of inductor coils.

This chapter presents the following groupings of metals and alloys that are soldered together: steel and iron-base alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, and copper and copper alloys. It also presents the ancillary materials and process methods that assist the solder filler metal in completing the solder joint through induction heating. The chapter focuses on the selection of fluxes and the use of inert gases or even vacuum to realize an oxide-free base material surface both before and during the soldering process.

This chapter describes important aspects of the interrelationship between the workpiece and the inductor coil, an understanding of which is essential for achieving an efficient soldering process and a solder joint with the desired performance and reliability. It also discusses induction soldering machine operation parameters, including temperature measurement and control sensors. The chapter illustrates the equipment used in a fully automated induction heating system. Fully automated soldering systems include temperature monitoring devices to control the temperature-time profile, the movement of workpieces, the supply of solder filler metal and flux, and the provision of shielding gas in the solder joint area.

This chapter provides an overview of sintering techniques and the microstructures and properties that can be achieved in different material systems. It covers conventional furnace sintering, microwave and laser sintering, hot and hot-isostatic pressing, and spark plasma sintering. It describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method, the mechanisms involved, and the effect of sintering parameters on the density, grain size, and mechanical properties of titanium and tungsten heavy alloys, stainless steel, cemented carbides, ceramics, composites, and rare earth magnets.

The porous structure of powder-metal materials, and thus the sintering method, has a significant impact not only on the properties of PM components, but also on how they respond to surface treatments and fabrication processes such as coating and joining. This chapter explains how the microstructure of PM parts achieved by different sintering methods influences the development of galvanized coatings and the mechanisms involved in sinter bonding and various welding and brazing processes. It presents and interprets the results of several studies in which PM materials, including iron, copper, stainless steel, brass, and bronze alloys, are joined by spot welding, projection welding, and solid-state welding as well as furnace and microwave brazing. It also examines the effects of ZrSiO 4 additions on the friction and wear behaviors of PM bronze brake-lining materials.

This chapter discusses the growing role of powder metallurgy in the production of intermetallic, Heusler, and high-entropy alloys. It reviews the challenges of producing these materials by conventional methods and the advantages of sinter-based PM techniques. It explains why PM processes are better suited for complex materials than casting and compares the properties of intermetallic, Heusler, and high-entropy alloys prepared by casting and powder-metal techniques.

This chapter discusses the advantages and limitations of 3D printing technology for the production of batteries and supercapacitors. It explains how 3D printing methods facilitate the build of microdevices with hierarchical nanoarchitectures and controlled microstructure. It also reviews recent progress in fabricating electrodes and electrolytes using 3D-printed functional materials.

This chapter assesses the state of 3D printing among automakers, medical device manufacturers, and construction companies.

This chapter discusses the effect of powder metallurgy on the design and production of nuclear energy reactors, wind turbines, biomedical devices, and gas turbine engines.

This chapter explains how powder metallurgy technologies are being leveraged for the production of automotive components, electric motors, rare-earth permanent magnets, and the infrastructure for high-speed rail transport.