Micro-Moulded CIM-Components: Simulation Based Mould- and Process Development

摘要

PIM has developed to a key production technology of 3D metal and ceramic microparts. The moulding step determines part quality as faults induced here cannot be healed out later on. For the last three years moulding simulation turned out to be an efficient tool to better understand feedstock flow behavior and improve parts, mould design and moulding process in MIM industry. Significant cost & time savings are achieved from MIM moulders. In parallel simulation was developed further to provide reliable results for micro applications. Additional effort was invested to adapt simulation to the needs of CIM applications too. Even if CIM is still challenging for simulation, the achieved results are promising and manufacturers benefit from it already. This paper describes the development process from article design to final mouldings of micro CIM components. The use of simulation, its benefit and achievable result quality for CIM applications is discussed.