Skip to content

Combustion Engines & Parts are Becoming the "Steam Punk" of the 21st Century... 

Steampunk refers to a genre of fiction in which steam power is the primary method of providing power for movement.  Of course, the world has moved away from steam power in favor of other methods.  Gasoline/diesel engines have long since eclipsed steam powered as the preferred method to power the motion of vehicles.  And as the world turns its eyes on the 21st century and the future, we begin to eye a new source of power for movement.  The electric motor. 

Electric motors are not a new technology.  But as the world continues to look towards a future of increasing reliance on automation, machine movement, and green technology, it would be hard to imagine that future without electricrification.  And the way we harness electricity to provide motion is through the use of motors.  The motor is the device that transforms electricity to mechanical motion.  From electric cars to robot powered factories, none of these would be possible without the use of electric motors to provide the power for motion. 

So as we collectively increase our reliance on motors, it’s not hard to imagine the need to efficiently manufacture motors, and to manufacture more efficient motors.  Those searching for either would be wise to explore the possibilities of Powder Metallurgy.

steam-punk

Powder metal is a process that excels at producing complex geometries quickly and efficiently, with little scrap.  In fact, the powder metal manufacturing process is recognized as a GREEN manufacturing method.  But complex geometries may not be enough, depending on the application.  Some applications for motors have demanding magnetic performance requirements. 

Dr. Craig Stringer at Atlas Pressed Metals has taken a look at the performance characteristics one could expect from the use of powder metal in electric motors in his paper titled, Basics of Soft Magnetic Powder Metallurgy, Materials and Properties.  Please click on the link below to receive a copy of his data and research. 

This research presents some interesting data.  But the possibilities don’t stop there.  Interested in learning more?  Have an application that demands complex, soft magnetic components?  Or are you interested in efficiently manufacturing high-volume motors?  If any of these sounds like you, contact Atlas today.