Binder System for Coarse Powders Processed by Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

摘要

Research on determined alloys produced by metal injection molding has been done for cost reduction purposes through the use of powders with bigger particle size. However, regarding feedstock homogeneity, certain limitations are presented when coarse particles are used. For instance, homogeneity strongly influences rheological behavior of the feedstock and dimensional control of the sintered part. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate effectiveness of a modified binder system with the addition of a surfactant polymer which makes the feedstock more homogeneous. This study was carried out on a FeNiP alloy currently processed by MIM, where 50%wt of the iron powder was replaced with course powder having a particle size distribution of D90 less than 47 μm. Effectiveness of binder systems using a Melt Flow Index (MFI) and the behavior of dimensional accuracy at sintered part were analyzed. Results showed more feedstock homogeneity and less dimensional deviation when a surfactant agent was used.