Expanding the market for PM copper: Beyond self-lubricating bearings

Since its inception, more than 50% of the copper powder metallurgy (PM) market has been vested in self-lubricating bearings (SLB) as a niche application. This scenario is changing as China's impact on the market increases. Looking beyond SLBs, an application selection strategy is presented which identifies eight key non-SLB categories for growth: self-lubricating products; projectiles; immiscible systems; building, construction, and joining; coatings, paints, and printing; fungicidal products; electrical/ electronic products; and decorative uses. An exciting future with attendant growth is predicted for the copper PM industry if it is prepared to venture beyond the traditional SLB market.