P/M Ferritic Stainless Steels for Exhaust System Components

The advent of stainless steel automotive exhaust systems presents a significant opportunity for powder metallurgy (P/M) parts and the inherent economic advantages of this near net shape metalworking technology. A study was performed to determine the viability of ferritic P/M stainless steel parts for exhaust applications such as coupling flanges and hot exhaust gas oxygen sensor (HEGOS) bosses.In order to help achieve the automotive industry’s stated goal of extending the functional life of exhaust components while remaining competitive, the authors developed a program to develop a database of the mechanical properties and performance characteristics of several grades of P/M stainless.