Process for removal of binders from parts produced by powder injection molding

The present invention relates to a thermo chemical process for removing the binders from metallic and/or ceramic powder injection molded parts. The process uses electrical discharge in a low-pressure hydrogen or another molecular or atomic gas environment to produce reactive species that heat the parts in order to remove the existing binders from inside the parts in a period of time shorter than the one in conventional processes. A process for the removal of binder material from powder injected molded parts that employs a low pressure plasma reactor to generate reactive species which react with the binder material in the injected molded part is presented. The reactive species cause the binder material to break down into smaller molecules and thereby be removed from the injected molded part.