Effects of Metal Powder Characteristics on the Compactibility and Sinterability in Micro Metal Injection Molding Process

Metal injection molding for tiny parts is called micro metal injection molding, “μ-MIM” which is considered to be one of promising process to manufacture the micro parts for various applications. In μ-MIM, the feedstock properties, particularly particle size and shape of metal powder are significant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inTransactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Series A Vol. 72; no. 713; pp. 148 - 153
Main Authors OSADA, Toshiko, NISHIYABU, Kazuaki, MATSUZAKI, Satoru, TANAKA, Shigeo, MIURA, Hideshi
Format Journal Article
LanguageJapanese
Published The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers 2006
Subjects
Density
Grain Growth
Melt Viscosity
Metal Injection Molding
Metal Powder
Micro Fabrication
Microstructure
Sintering Condition
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Summary:Metal injection molding for tiny parts is called micro metal injection molding, “μ-MIM” which is considered to be one of promising process to manufacture the micro parts for various applications. In μ-MIM, the feedstock properties, particularly particle size and shape of metal powder are significantly important for the quality of micro parts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of metal powder characteristics on the compactibility and sinterability. The three types of powders (3μm and 9μm water-atomized powders and 3μm gas atomized powder) were used for the comparison. The melt viscosity of the feedstock was utilized as an index for evaluation of compactibility by injection molding. Then the spring shape of green compact specimen was produced by the micro injection molding machine. The green density was also evaluated for compactibility of the feedstock. The density and grain size of sintered specimens were investigated by changing sintering temperature and time.
ISSN:0387-5008
1884-8338
DOI:10.1299/kikaia.72.148