Why Are Industrial-Grade Hydraulic Presses And Alloy Steel Molds Required For Cr50Cu50 Targets? Essential Compacting Tips

Industrial-grade hydraulic presses and alloy steel molds are mandatory in the compacting stage of Cr50Cu50 production to generate and withstand the immense mechanical forces required to solidify loose powder. Specifically, pressures up to 200 MPa are necessary to overcome the internal friction of the powder particles, while high-strength molds are required to prevent tool deformation and ensure the geometric accuracy of the final target.

Core Takeaway Achieving a high-quality "green compact" relies entirely on force and containment. The hydraulic press provides the energy to rearrange particles for maximum density, while the alloy steel mold provides the structural rigidity to translate that pressure into precise dimensions without failure.

The Role of High-Pressure Force

Overcoming Internal Resistance

Loose metal powder possesses significant internal friction that resists consolidation. Industrial-grade hydraulic presses are used to apply precise vertical pressure, often reaching 200 MPa.

Particle Rearrangement

This extreme pressure is not merely about squeezing the material; it compels the powder particles to physically move and rearrange. This mechanical shifting is critical to minimizing voids and significantly increasing the density and strength of the green compact (the compressed but unsintered part).

The Necessity of Alloy Steel Molds

Withstanding Extreme Loads

Standard steel tooling is often insufficient for pressures of this magnitude. High-strength alloy steel molds are required to contain the powder without yielding or warping under the 200 MPa load.

Guaranteeing Dimensional Precision

If the mold deforms even slightly during pressing, the final component will fail to meet specifications. Alloy steel ensures the mold cavity dimensions remain accurate and stable, guaranteeing the geometric precision of the Cr50Cu50 target.

Understanding the Trade-offs

The Limits of Green Compacts

While this stage creates a dense shape, the resulting "green compact" is still relatively fragile compared to the final product. It relies on mechanical interlocking rather than metallurgical bonding.

Process Isolation

It is vital not to confuse this cold compacting stage with secondary treatments like Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). While HIP further reduces porosity using heat (e.g., 1050°C), the initial hydraulic compacting stage is purely mechanical and sets the baseline shape and density for all subsequent steps.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

To ensure the success of your Cr50Cu50 target production, align your equipment choices with your specific quality metrics:

If your primary focus is material density: Ensure your hydraulic press is rated to deliver stable pressure up to 200 MPa to fully overcome particle friction.
If your primary focus is geometric accuracy: Invest in high-strength alloy steel molds to eliminate the risk of mold cavity expansion or deformation under load.

Success in the compacting stage is defined by the ability to apply massive force without compromising structural precision.

Summary Table:

Component	Key Requirement	Primary Function
Hydraulic Press	Up to 200 MPa Pressure	Overcomes particle friction & ensures maximum green density
Alloy Steel Mold	High Structural Rigidity	Prevents deformation & maintains geometric precision
Process Goal	Mechanical Interlocking	Creates a stable 'green compact' for secondary treatment
Key Outcome	Density & Precision	Minimizes voids and ensures dimensional accuracy

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References

Shih‐Hsien Chang, Kuo-Tsung Huang. Sintered Behaviors and Electrical Properties of Cr50Cu50 Alloy Targets via Vacuum Sintering and HIP Treatments. DOI: 10.2320/matertrans.m2012150

This article is also based on technical information from Kintek Press Knowledge Base .