Development of Defects Free Stainless Steel Parts Using Powder Injection Molding

Austenitic 316L Stainless Steel (SS) is widely used in aerospace, automotive, sports and medical industries due to its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Defects free molding of parts depends upon the features of feedstock. In powder injection molding, feedstock preparation is critical step and any deficiency at this stage cannot be retrieve in latter steps. The objective of this research work is to optimize solid loading for defects free injection molded parts. During the present research work five formulations having solid loading 60-71 vol% were prepared by using multi component binder system. The degradation temperature of feedstocks was determined by using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and flow behavior through rheometer. Homogeneity of the feedstock was verified by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Finally, injection molding was done and it was found that the feedstocks having solid loading up to 69 vol% were successfully injection molded and components were without physical defects.