Abstract
Highly porous titanium parts in three different shapes (conical, cylindrical, and semi‐cylindrical) were produced using metal injection molding (MIM) and the space holder technique. Potassium chloride (KCl) powder was used as a temporary space holder material. The frequently used extraction of the KCl space holder by dissolution in warm water was replaced with sublimation from the solid state during vacuum sintering. This improvement enabled highly porous titanium parts to be manufactured by MIM without the frequently observed sample collapse or extensive shape distortion. Final porosities of 55–60% were achieved, which is close to the recommended value for porous spinal titanium implants, making improved method attractive for implant manufacturing applications. An additional advantage of removing the space holder by sublimation is that the time‐consuming salt leaching step can be omitted. A systematic study of sample configuration, porosity change, microstructure, and impurity uptake was conducted and the sintering cycle was optimized.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
