TOOLS HAVING COMPACTED POWDER METAL WORK SURFACES, AND METHOD

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming a net or near net shaped work surface includes providing a substrate and engaging a die with the substrate forming a die cavity enclosing a portion of the substrate. A powdered metal is introduced into the cavity, heated prior to and within the die cavity, and pressurized to consolidate the powdered metal. The die is then disengaged from the substrate. In one exemplary embodiment, the work surface forms the cutting teeth of a saw blade.