Process for the powder metallurgical production of working pieces or

Abstract

Process for the powder-metallurgical production of work pieces, particularly tools, containing high-melting point carbides and/or carbonitrides homogeneously distributed in a matrix, in which an amount of elements of the IVa and Va groups, or secondary groups, of the periodic table is adjusted to at least 3 weight percent of the alloy, a low carbon and/or nitrogen concentration is established, and primary precipitates are prevented; and a desired carbon and/or nitrogen content is created by atomization of the melt into powder vaporizing medium. When necessary, it is further created by diffusion annealing of the powder in a medium containing carbon or hydrocarbon compounds and/or nitrogen or nitrogen compounds; and powder with a minimum carbide and/or carbonitride content of 10 percent by volume is processed to produce work pieces in a manner known in the prior art, when necessary after mixing two or more kinds of powders containing different amounts of carbon and nitrogen made according to the process of this invention. Work pieces, particularly tools, produced according to this process have a content of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of vanadium, niobium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium or tantalum, with a carbide and/or carbonitride content of at least 6 percent by volume, and a maximum carbide and/or carbonitride granule size of 5 .mu.m diameter.