What process is a common step after pressing in powder metallurgy?

In powder metallurgy, sintering is a critical process that follows the pressing of metal powders. During sintering, the pressed metal parts are heated to a temperature below their melting point, causing particles to bond together without fully liquefying. This process enhances the strength and structural integrity of the final product by allowing the particles to develop solid-state diffusion bonds, which are crucial for achieving desirable mechanical properties.

The choice of sintering in this context is correct because it directly follows the pressing stage. Other processes, such as cooling, molding, and curing, do not specifically follow pressing in the traditional powder metallurgy workflow. Cooling might occur after sintering, while molding refers to shaping materials in a different context, and curing typically pertains to polymer materials, not metals. Therefore, understanding that sintering is pivotal in the powder metallurgy process highlights its importance as a step that significantly influences the characteristics of the final metal component.