High carbon surface densified sintered steel products and method of production therefor

A powder mixture alloy is provided for manufacturing surface densified high carbon sintered steel articles containing iron or iron pre-alloyed powder, which has been preliminary mixed with at least 0.4 wt% graphite, lubricant and optionally at least one alloying element from the group of nickel, chromium, copper, manganese and molybdenum. Components are manufactured utilizing the alloy mixture comprising the steps of: a) compacting the metallic powder to obtain a compact; b) pre- sintering the compact at a low temperature to prevent graphite from diffusing into the iron; c) surface densifyingof the pre-sintered compact to a predetermined densification depth; d) sintering under neutral gas or carburizing atmosphere; and e) heat treating the sintered compact.