Nowadays, consumers' demand for mobile phones has changed from "usable" to "easy to use". Light and thin body, integrated design, and multi-functional integration have become the mainstream trend. With the characteristics of lightweight, near-net forming and multi-material composite, powder metallurgy technology is perfectly adapted to the light and thinness of mobile phones.The development needs of integration play an important role in mobile phone camera modules, battery components, key components and other fields, and promote the continuous innovation of mobile phone forms and functions.

The miniaturization and high integration of mobile phone camera modules are inseparable from the precision manufacturing support of powder metallurgy. With the development of mobile phone cameras from single-camera to multi-camera and periloge, the internal structure of the module is becoming more and more complex. Micro-parts such as focusing motor brackets and lens fixing brackets need to have the characteristics of high precision and light weight. When the traditional cutting process manufactures micro-parts, the material waste rate is high (up to 60%) and it is difficult to process thin-walled structures (the minimum wall thickness is only 0.3mm). Powder metallurgy adopts the "stainless steel powder + micro-injection molding" process, which can produce a wall thickness of 0.15mm and a dimensional accuracy of ±0.The 005mm micro bracket has increased the material utilization rate to more than 95%, and the weight is 30% less than that of the traditional metal bracket, providing space for the miniaturization of the camera module. At the same time, the surface roughness of powder metallurgy parts is only Ra0.2μm, which can accurately fit the lens and motor, reduce optical deviation, and improve the clarity of photos. After a flagship mobile phone adopts a powder metallurgy camera bracket, the imaging resolution is improved by 10% and the focusing speed is accelerated by 20%.

In the field of mobile phone battery components, powder metallurgy helps to achieve the dual goal of "light weight + high safety". The positive electrode of the mobile phone battery is fluid, negative electrode ear and other parts. Traditionally, pure copper or pure aluminum materials are used. Although they can meet the needs of conductivity, they are heavy in weight. Powder metallurgy through "copper-Carbon composite powder + sintering" process manufactures anode-concentrating fluid. While ensuring conductivity, the weight is 25% less than that of pure copper-concentrating fluid, and the carbon element in the composite powder can improve the high-temperature resistance of the concentrating fluid. When the battery temperature is too high, it can effectively suppress the risk of thermal runaway and improve the safety of the battery. In addition, the battery shell protective net made by powder metallurgy adopts a porous structure design (porosity of 40%), which can not only reduce the weight, but also play a buffering role when the battery is squeezed and reduce the probability of battery rupture. After a brand of mobile phone adopts this protective net, the squeezing resistance of the battery is improved by 40%.

The durability and feel of mobile phone buttons and touch parts are also optimized by powder metallurgy technology. Traditional mobile phone physical buttons are mostly made of plastic or ordinary metal materials. Plastic keys are easy to wear and age, and ordinary metal keys feel stiff.Powder metallurgy uses the "zinc alloy powder + low-temperature sintering" process to manufacture the button base. By controlling the sintering density (6.8g/cm³), the button has moderate hardness (HRC15-20) and elasticity, the pressing feel is softer, and the service life is extended from 100,000 times to 50 Ten thousand times. At the same time, the powder metallurgy button base can be directly integrated into the texture structure, without subsequent laser engraving, the production cycle is shortened by 30%, and the texture adhesion is stronger. It is not easy to wear out for long-term use, which meets the needs of users for button feel and durability.

With the development of mobile phone technology in the direction of folding screen, under-screen camera, etc., the requirements for lightweight, precision and integration of components will be higher. With its flexible process characteristics, powder metallurgy is expected to be in more emergingRealize applications in the field, continue to help the mobile phone industry break through the limitations of forms and functions, and bring consumers a better user experience.