The ability of Metal Injection Molding to efficiently manufacture complex stainless steel components to net shape has enabled it to become a go-to technology for sectors such as watchmaking, luxury goods and medical devices. However, the challenge of meeting the growing demand for nickel-free stainless steels presents a number of challenges for MIM producers. In this article, Pierre Girin and Jean-Claude Bihr, from France’s Alliance MIM, review these challenges and share insight into the processing of a material class that holds great promise for the industry.
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A Special Interest Seminar in the programme of the virtual Euro PM2021 conference, organised by the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) and held October 18-22, 2021, focused on developments aimed at enhancing the sustainability of production by Metal Injection Moulding. This seminar comprised three presentations from representatives of different points in the MIM process chain.
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In recent years there has been a surge in interest in sinter-based metal Additive Manufacturing, with many of these technologies adapting the materials used in Metal Injection Moulding. Whilst Binder Jetting (BJT) and Material Extrusion (MEX) processes lead the field in terms of market penetration, sometimes something radically different comes along. This is certainly the case with Germany’s Headmade Materials, whose Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) AM process takes a completely new approach. Dr Georg Schlieper visited the company and reports for PIM International on the company and its technology.
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Type 420 martensitic stainless steel covers a wide carbon range of 0.15% to 0.45%. Demand for this material from the 3C, automotive, biomedical and aerospace industries has been increasing thanks to its combination of moderate corrosion resistance, high hardness, and good tensile properties. In this study, Shu-Hsu Hsieh, Dr Chung-Huei Chueh, and I-Shiuan Chen, from Chenming Electronic Technology Corp. (UNEEC), Taiwan, investigated Nb-alloyed 420 produced using BASF SE’s Catamold 420 W feedstock. Decarburisation was examined in samples processed in both a graphite furnace and a molybdenum lined furnace. Microstructure, phase and hardness variations from the sintered state to each specific stage in heat treatment were also explored. Additionally, the influence of niobium on the formation of intergranular compounds, carbides, and carbonitrides was also assessed in each heat treatment stage for comparison.
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