Metal injection moulding (MIM) is a near-net-shaping powder metallurgytechnique suitable for the cost-effective mass production of small andcomplex components. In this paper, the effects of the metal powder particlesize on the final properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel are reported. Threedifferent particle sizes (d50 33.0, 7.91 and 4.04 μm) were used to preparethe injectable MIM feedstocks using a CSIR-developed wax-based bindersystem at a fixed solids loading of 60 vol.%. The distribution slopeparameter and the rheological flow index behaviour were used to predictthe flowability of the feedstocks. The effects of the particle size on MIMproducts were established. The results are discussed in terms of thesubsequent microstructural and mechanical properties of MIM 17-4 PHstainless steel against the established MPIF Standard 35.
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