STATE OF THE PM INDUSTRY IN NORTH AMERICA-2008

The powder metallurgy (PM) industry in North America faces many challenges, particularly from the decling U.S. automotive market and volatile commodity prices. Metal powder shipments softened in 2007 and the outlook for the balance of 2008 remains somewhat negative. However, new automotive engines and transmissions contain an increasing number of PM parts. The industry, through the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) and the Center for PM Technology (CPMT) continues to invest in programs to improve materials' properties and provide designers with more information about PM's capabilities.