Influence of feedstock characteristics and process parameters on properties of MIM parts made of 316L

Metal injection moulding (MIM) is already a well established and promising technology for the mass production of small, complex, near net shape products. The dimensions and mechanical properties of MIM products are influenced by the feedstock characteristics, the process parameters of injection moulding, as well as the debinding and the sintering. The mechanical properties primarily depend on the sintering density and the microstructure. However, the process parameters of the injection moulding must not be neglected. The present investigations were focused on the influence of the main injection moulding parameters and the sintering conditions. The investigations showed that appropriate mechanical properties can be obtained for MIM products. However, they are drastically deteriorated if inappropriate injection moulding and sintering conditions are selected. In this contribution the influence of the injection moulding and sintering parameters on the mechanical properties of sintered material is presented and discussed. For the optimisation of the whole process a feedstock characterisation was also made.