AbstractSome twenty different iron powders are available in Europe for the manufacture of sintered bearings and structural parts. These powders can be grouped under four headings: reduced, atomized, comminuted, and electrolytic. Details are given of the experience gained in testing these types of powder by the methods in common use in the metal-powder industry.The influence of the data thus obtained on the processing, in particular the pressing and sintering conditions, of iron powders is discussed in detail. Consideration is given to the way in which the properties of the powders affect their sinterability, the pressing operation and tool design, and also the physical characteristics of the finished product.