Metal injection molding of titanium for medical and aerospace applications

Mixing of titanium powder and thermoplastic binders creates a feedstock that is injection molded similar to plastic, has a chemical and thermal debinding process, and then is sintered to form a net-shape or near-net shape part. TiJet Medizintechnik GmbH (TiJet) developed and uses its own feedstock and powder processing technology to achieve desired mechanical properties. This paper explains the theory of the process and the possibilities that result from the development of this new powder processing technology, such as new alloys, design possibilities, etc. Discussed will be the microstructure, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of the manufactured parts.