Abstract
In this article the state of art of the PIM (Powder Injection Moulding) technology is given in brief. The main process flow diagram consisting of four steps: feedstock preparation, injection moulding (green samples forming), the debinding (binder removing) procedure and the sintering process was described. After that the materials for binders and additives for the surface active agents were mentioned in brief. The metal injection moulding (MIM) process was analysed in more detail: MIM- stainless steels, MIM-copper and MIM-aluminium as the most metals common in MIM metal parts production. After that our results of MIM stainless steel 316 L and MIM copper are given. The main powder characteristics, the shrinkage and density of the sintered samples were compared for isostatically pressed PM (powder metallurgy) samples and MIM formed samples. The SEM fractographs of MIM and PM samples are given for MIM green parts, debinded (brown) parts and sintered parts, and PM green parts and sintered parts. The results obtained were compared with literature data before they were applied in metal parts production.
Highlights
Metal alloys or ceramic components with a high geometrical complexity, asymmetrical shapes and high precision needed, can be produced economically with a conventional injection moulding machine and granulates composed of a binder, very fine ceramic or metal powders, and additives
The main process flow diagram consisting of four steps: feedstock preparation, injection moulding, the debinding procedure and the sintering process was described
The fracture surface of sintered PM samples achieved at the same sintering profile as for Powder injection moulding (PIM) samples is shown in figure (e), and lock shield PIM sintered products of 316L is shown in picture (f): green part left and sintered part right
Summary
Metal alloys or ceramic components with a high geometrical complexity, asymmetrical shapes and high precision needed (close tolerance), can be produced economically with a conventional injection moulding machine and granulates composed of a binder (plastic, wax), very fine ceramic or metal powders, and additives. This process is called PIM - powder injection moulding technology, and is regarded as fairly recent the first injection moulding machines were built in the 1930's and used for ceramic powders. Centrifugal investment casting (CIC) 95-99 % 98 % 3 μm ≥5 mm medium low to medium
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