Projektinitiativ #36: High-performance metal injection moulding Components ( 2 kommentarer)

Metal injection moulding (MIM) is a well-established technology for the high-volume manufacturing of the small components (< 50 gram) based on the fine gas atomised steel powders. MIM technology is rather poorly presented in Europe as most of the manufacturing of the components for electronics and consumer market is located in Asia.

Lars Nyborg presents the initiative during the 2017 conference

However, application of this technology to other materials for high-performance applications as e.g. Ni-based superalloys, Ti-alloys, etc., as well as larger-size components (50 to 250 grams) is of significant interest for the European industry. Hence, this proposal aims on establishing tailored alloy design and novel robust process chain for the MIM technology for manufacturing of high-performance structural components with high tolerances. This will be performed by tailored powder alloy design utilizing modern thermodynamic tools, establishment of the process window for a specific powder material utilizing kinetic and multi-physic simulation of the powder densification in line with the dedicated thermal analysis (dilatometry) under controlled conditions. Developed powders will be produced and analyzed (microstructure and surface oxide characteristics) utilizing advanced microscopy and surface analysis techniques in order to provide input data for simulations and establishment of the requirements to the sintering process. Developed concept will be utilized for manufacturing of industrially relevant demonstrators.

Namn Eduard Hryha
Organisation Chalmers tekniska högskola

Kommentar #1

GKN Aerospace has interest in producing parts within this size range with the described technology, since it presents high potential in terms of design flexibility and weight reduction, cost savings and reduction of scrap material. Chalmers sure has the means to do the proposed work, both in terms of equipment and personal.

Namn Claudia Schwerz
Organisation GKN Aerospace

Kommentar #2

This is for sure interesting for the industry, especially if the aim is set for somewhat larger parts as compared to typical 'normal' MIM-products. This would enable a large scale production of parts that where a somewhat more complex shape could be enabled comaped to 'traditional' press end sinter, but stille at a relatively low manufacturing cost.

Namn Henrik Karlsson
Organisation Volvo