Influence of injection moulding and sintering parameters on properties of 316L MIM compact

Abstract

This study elucidates the effects of key injection moulding and sintering factors on the dimensions and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel metal injection moulded compact. Sintered parts of optimal quality can be produced by properly setting the process parameters. Taguchi method and principal component analysis are performed initially to elucidate and optimise the key control factors that affect the qualities of metal injection moulded compact. Next, a feasible process window is tested by observing the powder and binder distribution of green parts, for various control factors of injection moulding. Experimental findings show that, first, a proper injection speed facilitates mould filling during injection moulding and so improving the quality of sintered parts; second, temperature critically determines the rate of dimensional shrinkage, density and hardness of sintered parts; Third, optimal parameters setting can efficiently improve the quality of 316L metal injection moulded compact.     

Experimental investigation and numerical simulation analysis of sintered micro-fluidic devices

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the use of numerical simulations to describe the solid-state diffusion of a sintering stage during a metal injection moulding process for micro-fluidic components with 316L stainless steel powders. Finite element (FE) analysis based on a thermo-elasto-viscoplastic model was conducted to describe the densification process of a stainless steel porous component during solid-state sintering. The numerical analyses, which were performed on a 3D micro-structured component with various powder volume loadings to take into account the thermal debinding effect to propose a full debinding sintering simulation, demonstrated that the FE simulation results are in agreement with the experimental ones.     

Variability of powder characteristics and their effect on dimensional variability of powder injection moulded components

Abstract

In this study, the effect of powder characteristics and their variability on the dimensional variability of green and sintered PIM components has been examined for 316L stainless steel. Three lots of gas atomised and three lots of water atomised powders were characterised and used to make six batches of PIM compound. These compound lots were injection moulded using a cavity pressure transducer and screw position regulation controls. The moulded geometry was measured in the green state and sintered state for dimensional variability. The general findings are that gas atomised powder produce less dimensional variability than the water atomised powder from lot to lot, however, the water atomised powders produce less in lot dimensional variability and are generally less susceptible to distortion of cantilevered members during sintering. Also, the lot to lot variation in the powder characteristics, such as particle size and pycnometer density, have an effect on dimensional stability whereas variations in powder characteristics such as surface area, tap and apparent density, and chemistry have little effect on dimensional stability.     

Injection moulding of 316L stainless steels reinforced with nanosize alumina particles

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effect of Al₂O₃ nanoparticle additions on the densification and mechanical properties of the injection moulded 316L stainless steels. The 316L stainless steel and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were dry mixed and moulded using a wax based binder. The critical powder loading for injection moulding were 60 vol.-% for all samples. Debinding process was performed in solvent using thermal method. After the debinding process, the samples were sintered at 1405°C for 60 and 120 min under vacuum. Metallographic examination was conducted to determine the extend of densification and the corresponding microstructural changes. The sintered samples were characterised by measuring tensile strength, hardness and wear behaviour. Wear loss was determined for all the samples after wear testing. All the powders, fracture surfaces of moulded and sintered samples were examined using scanning electron microscope. The sintered density of straight as well as Al₂O₃ nanoparticles reinforced injection moulded 316L stainless steels increases with the increase in sintering time. The additions of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles improve the hardness and wear resistance with the increase of sintering time.     

Modelling of transient temperature fields during filling stage of powder injection moulding

Abstract

Numerical simulation of the powder injection moulding of the stainless steel feedstock was performed using finite elements/finite differences method. Influence of the process parameters on the temperature development in the moulded part was estimated. Frictional heating between the layers of the feedstock with different viscosity may cause the temperature rise to a level dangerous for the integrity of the feedstock. Both process conditions and position of the gate affect the temperature distribution within the part. The temperature homogeneity can be improved by optimisation of the mould design and process conditions.     

Netshaping concepts for tungsten alloys and composites

Abstract

The conventional powder metallurgy (PM) approach of compaction and sintering has been used extensively in the fabrication of tungsten alloys and composite hardmetals based on WC-Co. In fact, these are some of the earliest known materials to have been fabricated by the PM route. The last 15-20 years have seen the emergence of a new shaping technique of powder injection moulding (PIM) which can shape such tungsten metal alloys and composites into complex near net shaped components. The PIM process starts with the mixing of an organic binder with the desired powders in the form of a homogeneous mixture, known as a feedstock. The feedstock, like plastics, can be moulded into near net shapes from which the organic part is removed and then the material can be sintered to almost theoretical density. This produces complex, near net shaped parts that have properties that are comparable to that of the press and sintered materials. This paper will provide a brief overview of the use of PIM in tungsten based alloys and composites and discuss some of the applications of these materials.     

Mechanical properties of metal injection moulded 316L stainless steel using both prealloy and master alloy techniques

Abstract

Stainless steel 316L MIM components can be made from either prealloyed powders or from master alloys blended with carbonyl iron powder. In this study these two techniques were compared using prealloyed and master alloyed gas atomised powders of ? 16 μm and ? 22 μm sizes. Four different compounds were prepared, characterised and injection moulded into tensile bars. The bars were compared for green strength, green defects, sintered strength and microstructure. The green components are stronger when carbonyl iron powder is used with the gas atomised master alloy. This material also seems to be less susceptible to moulding defects. The sintering strength of the material produced using the pre-alloyed powder was higher than the master alloyed prepared material. Little difference in mechanical properties existed between the materials fabricated from gas atomised prealloyed ? 16 μm and the ? 22 μm powders. Also, the viscosity of the mixtures was higher for the ? 16 μm material and the master alloy mixtures than for the –22 μm gas atomised prealloyed powders.     

Injection moulding of oxide reduced copper powders

Abstract

Fine oxide reduced copper powders of about 10 μm mean grain size are irregular in particle shape and high in oxygen content, which poses a difficulty in achieving good properties from injection moulding. Injection moulding was possible when a multicomponent binder with a large fraction of the backbone polymer was used. Injection moulded parts could be sintered to a density of about 95% theoretical, if reduction of the residual oxides in the powder was effectively carried out prior to closure of pores during sintering. Under such a condition, the injection moulded parts could attain an electrical conductivity higher than 80% of pure copper. July 2004.     

Dilatometric analysis of thermal debinding of injection moulded iron compacts

Abstract

The less than desired tolerance control of powder injection moulded compacts is a result of inconsistent dimensional changes in the compacts accumulated during moulding, debinding, and sintering. This study investigated the in situ length changes and their causes during thermal debinding on compacts which have been solvent debound. The dilatometric analysis showed that the specimen shrank in the early stage between 250 and 370°C, not because of sintering, but through the loss of N, C, and O in the carbonyl iron powder. At temperatures between 370 and 450°C, the specimen expanded owing to the carburisation of the iron powder. The length change was also influenced by the heating rate, debinding atmosphere, and the amount of the backbone binder. These dilatometric results are helpful in establishing the guidelines in designing binder compositions and debinding schedules.     

Influence of sintering conditions on tensile and high cycle fatigue behaviour of powder injection moulded Ti–6Al–4V at ambient and elevated temperatures

Abstract

Tensile and high cycle fatigue properties of Ti–6Al–4V samples fabricated by powder injection moulding (PIM) are examined at room temperature and elevated temperatures. Standard wrought Ti–6Al–4V material is used for comparison. The tensile and the fatigue strength of samples fabricated by powder injection moulding are found to be significantly lower than conventional wrought material. On the other hand, strength and ductility of metal injection moulded (MIM) samples are high enough to be of large practical interest, in particular if the low processing costs for intricate shapes are taken into account. The inferior properties of the MIM material are caused by considerable remaining porosity, enlarged grain size and increased interstitial content. Prolonged sintering times lead to improved density and strength. At the same time, the room temperature ductility is observed to drop to very low levels, presumably because of additional grain growth.     

Microstructural and mechanical properties of injection moulded gas and water atomised 17-4 PH stainless steel powder

Abstract

This paper describes the microstructural and mechanical properties of injection moulded 17-4 PH stainless steel gas and water atomised powder. Gas and water atomised stainless steel powders were injection moulded with wax based binder. The critical powder loading for injection moulding were 62·5 and 55 vol.-% for gas and water atomised powders respectively. Binder debinding was performed using solvent and thermal method. After dedinding the samples were sintered at different temperatures for 1 h in pure H₂. Metallographic studies were conducted to determine to extend densification and the corresponding microstructural changes. The results show that gas atomised powder could be sintered to a maximum (98·7%) of theoretical density, and water atomised powder could be sintered to a maximum (97·08%) of theoretical density. Maximum tensile strength was obtained for gas atomised powder sintered at 1350°C. The tensile strength of the water atomised powder sintered at the same temperature was lower owing to higher porosity. Finally, mechanical tests show that the water atomised powder has lower mechanical properties than gas atomised powder.     

Formation of aluminium nitride during sintering of powder injection moulded aluminium

Abstract

A detailed transmission electron microscopy study of the structure of aluminium nitride formed during sintering of powder injection moulded aluminium is presented. A polycrystalline layer formed on Al particle surfaces exposed to a nitrogen atmosphere. This layer consisted of fine, rod-like crystallites of hexagonal AlN typically aligned normal to the Al surface. A double layer of AlN separated by a thin layer of Al was observed at the interfaces between Al grains. In this report, the structure of the nitride is characterised and its influence on sintering is discussed.     

Sintering parameters and mechanical properties of injection moulded aluminium powder

Abstract

This paper describes the microstructural and mechanical properties of injection moulded aluminium powder. Gas atomised aluminium powder was injection moulded with wax based binder. The critical powder loading for injection moulding was 62·5 vol.-% for feedstock. Binder debinding was performed in solvent and thermal method. After debinding, the samples were sintered at different temperatures and times in high purity N₂. Metallographic studies were conducted to determine the extent of densification and the corresponding microstructural changes. The results show that gas atomised aluminium powder could be sintered to a maximum 96·2% of theoretical density. Maximum density, tensile strength and hardness were obtained when sintered at 650°C for 60 min.     

In situ dimensional change,mass loss and mechanisms for solvent debinding of powder injection moulded components

Abstract

Dimensional change during solvent debinding is linked to defects such as cracking and slumping in powder injection moulded components. Owing to the delicate condition of the compact during debinding, considerable difficulty exists in determining the magnitude and cause of swelling or shrinkage. Previous studies of this dimensional change have used measurement techniques involving contact or force on the sample, which may alter the behaviour. This study observes in situ dimensional change during solvent debinding using a non-contact laser dilatometer. Dimensional change was investigated for iron and stainless steel powder injection moulded bars with wax-polymer binders. The effects of solvent temperature, paraffin wax content, paraffin wax density, particle size and solids loading were analysed. Comparisons between the dimensional change and mass loss observations during solvent debinding suggest a relationship between the two phenomena based on soluble polymer swelling.     

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN RAW MATERIALS,PREPARATION CONDITIONS,AND PROPERTIES OF SINTERED IRON

Abstract

Three plain iron powders of different types (sponge-iron, atomized and electrolytic iron powder) were studied with respect to their sintering behaviour and to the influence of manufacturing parameters—i.e., compacting pressure, sintering temperature, and sintering atmosphere—on the microstructure and the properties of sintered compacts. The changes of length, electric conductivity, and strength during sintering are explained in physical and chemical terms. Technical sintering diagrams are presented. The influence of sintering atmospheres on the mechanical properties of sintered compacts is shown for the three types of powder. The correlation between pore structure and strength is discussed; analytical relationships are developed which are in agreement with the experimental results.     

Properties and sintering behaviour of fine spherical iron powders produced by new hydrogen reduction process

Abstract

The most important use of fine spherical iron powders is for metal injection moulding (MIM). For many applications, the high costs of powder based on the carbonyl or atomising production route are a limiting factors. An alternative two-step hydrogen reduction process using a granulated hematite powder, which is a recycling product from steelmaking, has been developed to produce <25 µm spherical powder. The morphology and properties of the powder have been found to depend strongly on the second temperature step of the reduction process. A further important step is enclosed powder processing by milling and sieving to remove agglomerates. The powder properties and sintering behaviour as a function of heat treatment and processing parameters are reported and discussed.     

Density and porosity control of sintered 316L stainless steel parts produced by additive manufacturing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques offer the possibility to build complex geometries with integrated functionalities. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of metallic powder is probably the only AM technique that can build controlled porosity sintered parts, such as filter elements and fluid permeable components. Many building and sintering parameters can be set to adjust porous properties of the final part. The effects of particle size, particle shape, sintering temperature and sintering time on the final properties of the sintered parts have been analysed. Correlations have been established between these properties and process parameters.     

Characterisation of 316L powder injection moulding feedstock for purpose of numerical simulation of PIM process

Abstract

Viscosity, specific heat and thermal conductivity of the standard feedstock of 316L stainless steel have been measured under the typical conditions of a real powder injection moulding (PIM) process. The viscosity was measured in a wide range of shear rates at four different temperatures. The experimental viscosity data were fitted into the Carreau-Yasuda model. Both specific heat and thermal conductivity were measured in the temperature range that overlaps the recommended processing range for the studied feedstock. It has been shown that at high cooling rates the transition temperature of the binder material is shifted towards lower temperatures. Tabulated values of thermal conductivity and specific heat for the studied feedstock are presented. The obtained data can be used for numerical simulation of the powder injection moulding process.     

Production of titanium grade 4 components by powder injection moulding of titanium hydride

Abstract

Recent developments are presented on powder injection moulding of titanium from metal hydride powders and binders composed of polyethylene, paraffin wax and stearic acid. The feasibility of using this route to process fit for purpose, complex parts is assessed. Titanium hydride offers a low cost solution compared with pure titanium powders. Feedstocks for powder injection moulding were prepared in a sigma mixer. Tensile test specimens and demonstration parts were injection moulded. Solvent debinding in heptane was followed by thermal debinding and dehydrogenation under argon. Titanium parts were sintered at 1200°C under argon. Sintered parts exhibit a linear shrinkage of about 20%, good shape preservation and reproducibility. The yield strength (519 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (666 MPa), elongation to fracture (15%) and interstitial content measured by quantitative analysis meet the requirements for titanium grade 4.     

Inorganic interfacial engineering: processing of hard materials

Abstract

Inorganic interfacial engineering may be regarded as the core of powder metallurgical processing of hard materials. The present paper reviews recent results from an interdisciplinary research effort, BRIIE (the Brinell Centre for Inorganic Interfacial Engineering), a joint effort between five industrial companies, three universities, two research institutes and VINNOVA (the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems). The research involves experimental work on the aqueous processing of powders and the use of surface actants is reviewed as well as the colloidal processing of ceramics. Pressing and sintering of agglomerated powders have been studied both theoretically and experimentally. Models for the simulation of pressing and sintering of hard metal powders are developed. Results on ceramic materials obtained by spark plasma sintering and their resistance to thermal shock are reported.