By definition, sintering is used to increase the bonding in a mass of powder or a compact by heating below the melting point of the main constituent. It offers a manufacturing ability to strengthen a part by increasing the amount of bonding between particles. When heated, particles move to decrease surface area, which is the fundamental driver for sintering and creates a stronger part.

This series on PM sintering on searchable PDF is a collection of technical manuscripts as presented at the annual MPIF conferences and recorded in the subsequent official conference proceedings Advances in Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials, and articles from the APMI International Journal of Powder Metallurgy. The intent of this series is to present a single source for review of the developments of the sintering process. The series comprises three parts, "Sintering Compilation I: Theory & Equipment Related," "Sintering Compilation II: Process Alternatives," and "Sintering Compilation III: Effects on Materials."

• High-Temperature Sintering
• Liquid-Phase Sintering
• Sinter Hardening
• Alternative Sintering Technologies