Micro powder injection moulding belongs to the group of primary shaping methods. The advantages of the method include the almost unlimited range of options to choose from in terms of metallic or ceramic materials, the high level of achievable complexity, and the good automation capability. The method is highly suitable for high-volume production. [2] However, it is only suitable for large lot sizes because of the high costs incurred for tools. An increase in the complexity of the moulded component requires a more complex injection-moulding tool. wbk Institute of Production Science has developed an innovative approach for the flexible and yet profitable production of PIM components that is based on the machining of PIM green compacts prior to sintering. This way, the number of varieties of PIM parts can be increased, and it is possible to manufacture PIM parts also in small volumes. A chip-removing CNC controlled micro machine for green compact machining was developed. The paper describes the development of a 2-axis machine with small installation space and its integration into the existing μ-PIM process chain at wbk Institute of Production Science.
展开▼
