Plasma Assisted Debinding and Sintering (PADS) - A Metal Injection Molding Case Study

  • Machado, R. (Steelinject Ltd.) ;
  • Ristow Jr., W. (Steelinject Ltd.) ;
  • Alba, P.R. (Steelinject Ltd.) ;
  • Klein, A.N. (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnologico - CTC, Laboratorio de Materiais - LABMAT) ;
  • Fusao, D. (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnologico - CTC, Laboratorio de Materiais - LABMAT) ;
  • Wendhausen, P.A.P. (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnologico - CTC, Laboratorio de Materiais - LABMAT)
  • Published : 2006.09.24

Abstract

This paper describes a Plasma Assisted Debinding and Sintering (PADS) equipment, which has been designed to process Metal Injection Molded (MIM) components. The use of a hybrid system combining a glow discharge with a conventional heating system makes debinding and sintering of MIM components, in the same heating cycle, a feasible industrial process. Characteristics as density, carbon content and mechanical properties are similar to traditionally processed MIM materials. The reduction of energy and gas consumption and shorter lead-times are economic advantages of PADS system. The clean environment of PADS is also an ecological advantage.

Keywords