Powder Metallurgy Part Manufacturing Concentrated in North-Central Pennsylvania

Abstract

The powder metallurgy parts manufacturing (PM 2 ) industry is a significant part of the history of the economy and technology of Pennsylvania. Powder metallurgy parts manufacturing is a process for forming a metal part by compacting metal powder in a die and then heating the compacted powder just below its melting point (called 'sintering'). Powder metallurgy parts manufacturing producers purchase specialized metal powders, lubricants, binders, additives, tooling, process equipment, and industrial gases. Powder metallurgy parts manufacturing producers in north-central Pennsylvania sell most of their PM 2 parts to the automotive industry for use in internal combustion engines. However, the PM 2 industry is adapting its processes for part production in electric vehicles and non-automotive sectors. The small number of specialized suppliers combined with a customer base centered on the automotive industry creates a highly competitive environment among PM 2 firms clustered in the small, rural three-county region of north-central Pennsylvania. Powder metallurgy parts manufacturing in the United States is highly concentrated in this region.