- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Powdered Metal Technology
Home > Modern Firearms Manufacture > Gross Metal Forming Operations > Powdered Metal Technology
)
A powder metal mixture is cold
pressed to form a bullet core
Powdered metal technology (PMT) is used more frequently in firearms manufacture. It is a form of casting that does not use molten metal. Finely powdered metal of the desired alloy is placed in a mold with a binder or flux and then heated until the particle boundaries partially melt and the particles fuse together. The advantage is excellent precision. Finished parts are often ready for cosmetic finishing and installation when removed from the mold. The downside is that PMT parts are not as strong as those made by investment casting or forging. PMT tends to be used for the manufacture of low-load parts, such as sight components and triggers.
