Abstract：The control of sintering process is very critical for PM technology. Bad control during sintering will cause inconsistence in dimension and mechanical properties of sintered parts， and even some failure issue， like oxidation， decarburization， carburization， blistering and sooting. With the higher requirement on the performance and cost of PM products， chromium with high hardenability and low cost becomes an interesting development of PM industry. However， Cr is easy to be oxidized， and has strict requirement on sintering atmosphere， so it is a challenge to the sintering process. With the development of sintering furnace and the wide use of nitrogen based protective gas， the sintering of PM part with Cr components in the net belt furnace has become a reality. Practical field experiences with sintering furnace atmosphere based on nitrogen and hydrogen mixed gas were given by utilizing a measuring system consisting of thermal couple， oxygen and CO probes. The cause and effect relationships for many common atmosphere-related problems were explored and solutions offered for corrective action， as well as the sintering requirement of materials with Cr were summarized.
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2016, Vol. 26 
