| 摘要 |
A method for producing a material includes providing a metallurgical powder including iron, 1.0 to 3.5 weight percent copper, and 0.3 to 0.8 weight percent carbon. At least a portion of the powder is compressed at 20 tsi to 70 tsi to provide a compact, and subsequently the compact is heated at high temperature and then cooled at a cooling rate no greater than 60° F. per minute to increase the surface hardness of the compact to no greater than RC 25. The density of at least a region of the sintered compact is increased, by a mechanical working step or otherwise, to at least 7.6 grams/cc. The sintered compact is then re-heated to high temperature and cooled at a cooling rate of at least 120° F./min. so as to increase the surface hardness of the compact to greater than RC 25, and preferably at least RC 30. Material made by the method of the invention also is disclosed. |
