SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1984
STP30217S

Use of Image Analysis for Assessing the Inclusion Content of Low-Alloy Steel Powders for Forging Applications

Source

The extensive porosity present in pressed and sintered ferrous materials masks the effects of inclusions on the mechanical properties of these materials. In contrast, the properties of material powder forged to near theoretical density are strongly influenced by the composition, size distribution, and location of nonmetallic inclusions.

A method is therefore required for assessing the cleanliness of iron and low-alloy steel powders intended for powder forging applications. Automatic image analysis techniques are preferred for use in this application, as they are not subject to operator sensitivity and can be used routinely to obtain a wider range of data. However, many of the inclusions found in water-atomized low-alloy powders have a relatively open, “lacy” appearance. In order to count such inclusions as single entities rather than numerous smaller particles, a special image analysis technique has been developed. This involves amendment of the detected video image using various combinations of image dilation, erosion, and reconstruction.

Author Information

James, WB
Product Development, Hoeganaes Corp., Riverton, N.J.
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Details
Developed by Committee: E04
Pages: 132–145
DOI: 10.1520/STP30217S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4905-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0220-0