PIM 17-4PH actuator arm for aerospace applications

摘要

Powder injection molding (PIM) was evaluated for fabrication of actuator arms used in the U.S. Navy's T406 gas turbine engine. A prototype actuator arm was designed using finite element analysis and solid modeling techniques for optimum weight and performance. Alloy 17-4PH stainless steel was selected for this application because of its corrosion resistance and strength characteristics, which are required in the harsh marine and operational environments of this application. Several feedstock lots were processed and the resulting components were evaluated for dimensional characteristics and mechanical properties.