Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of the metal powder producing and consuming industries in the major industrial countries. A discussion is also given in this chapter on the significance for the metal powder industries of trends in the automotive industry, technology advances and environmental issues. In doing this, emphasis has been put on changes since 2000 and comments are made on the current and expected economic conditions. This chapter also contains commentaries on various economic and other factors that impinge on the usage of metal powders, and a discussion of the big customer of the global automotive industry. According to the International Powder Metallurgy Directory, several hundred companies are listed as participating in the North American powder metallurgy (PM) industry either as manufacturer or supplier. Japanese production of PM parts for electrical equipment also peaked in 2000, but did not set a new record. However, this sector has declined significantly since 2000, and production of PM parts for both industrial and electrical uses has been seriously affected by transfer of production to China and elsewhere.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
