Mixing and characterization of feedstock for powder injection molding

R. Supati*, N. H. Loh, K. A. Khor, S. B. Tor

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

130 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Feedstock preparation for Powder Injection Molding (PIM) is a very crucial step since deficiencies in quality of the feedstock cannot be corrected by subsequent processing adjustments. Hence, it is important that the feedstock is homogeneous and free of powder-binder separation or particle segregation. The quality of the feedstock in the mixing process depends on numerous parameters such as mixing time, mixing temperature, sequence of material addition, powder size and shape, formulation of binder, shear rate, and powder loading. The present mixing study was conducted with 316L stainless steel and titanium carbide powders. The main objective was to establish suitable mixing parameters such as powder loading, mixing speed and mixing temperature. The rheological characteristics of the feedstocks, under various mixing conditions, were analyzed using the capillary rheometer. Results show that 54% volumetric powder loading gave satisfactory flow properties when mixed at a temperature of 90 °C with a rotor speed of 30 rpm.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-114
Number of pages6
JournalMaterials Letters
Volume46
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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