Powder metallurgy is the process of producing mechan-
ical parts from metal powders and other components. Cur-
rently, it is a major manufacturing route for a wide range of
industrial sintered parts. While today the automotive
industry constitutes the largest market for P/M parts, rep-
resenting about 70% of the total market [1,2], P/M parts are
in high demand, industry-wide internationally, due to their
cost effectiveness and functional flexibility. P/M sector
supplies, whether directly or indirectly, mechanical com-
ponents to the electrical machinery industry, as well as
manufacturers of household appliances, power tools,
hydraulics, motors and magnetic materials, among others.