CASE #1

THE PROBLEM

Our customer manufactures fuel system pumps.  They specified high alloy tool steel for three pump components, i.e.:  the blade,  the liner, and the rotor retainer in order to assure durability and strength of their completed pump.

            The customer was concerned about high cost of manufacture as follows:  a) the selected material proved to be hard to machine and is very abrasive, b) they experienced high maintenance and replacement costs for cutting tools, and, c) the material itself is quite expensive.

            Customer requested that Clarion Sintered Metals undertake the task of developing a material that could utilize the powder metallurgy process to press parts to net or near-net shape and reduce machining costs.  This would reduce the overall cost of manufacture of the pump by reducing the material cost and the subsequent cost of machining the parts.

THE SOLUTION:

            Clarion Sintered Metals, Inc. engineers performed careful studies of the mechanical requirements of the application.  They also considered the attraction and feasibility of pressing and sintering parts to net or near-net shape.

            Following their study of the application and its requirements, Clarion engineers recommended the use of Clarion grade CSM 990.  Using state-of-the art pressing and sintering techniques, they calculated this material would provide the desired configuration and mechanical properties that would meet customer requirements.  This material was recommended to the customer, tooling was ordered, and sample parts were prepared to confirm the appropriateness of the recommendations.  Customer has thoroughly tested the parts and plans to incorporate them in their manufacturing procedure are imminent.

BENEFIT TO THE CUSTOMER:

            The customer will realize cost savings through reduced machining requirements made possible by the improved machine ability and the lower initial cost of the materials as compared with M2 tool steel.  They will have parts meeting the physical requirements of the application with significant savings in costs.