Powder metal (PM) gears are a cost efficient alternative for machined gears in larger series. Synchronizer gears, oil pump gears, and engine gears are all examples of where the auto industry has converted from wrought steel to powder steel.

Powder metal gears have been available for quite some time, initially only in light duty applications such as toys and power tools. As material quality and processes have improved, so has the confidence in PM. Today PM gears are present in many engine platforms, and certain car makers use nothing but PM gears for the cam shaft synchronization. Inroads are made to diesel engine gear trains, both for commercial vehicles such as heavy trucks and high end cars, but also for lighter duty vehicles such as ATVs and motorcycles. The reason for this is lower total cost and improved performance.