Elaboration of PIM feedstocks with 316L fine stainless steel powders for the processing of micro-components

The paper is concerned with the way to prepare feedstocks for powder injection moulding of fine stainless steel powders. The way to prepare adequate feedstocks is described, and injection moulding experiments are determined. The effects of powder volume loading, as well as mixing conditions are investigated and the results indicate that powder loading, injection moulding conditions and sintering kinetics largely influence the resulting shrinkage after sintering. Finally, the modelling and associated numerical simulations are used the help process design.