Influence of a mismatch in shrinkage for two-component metal injection moulding (2C-MIM)

Two-Component Metal Injection Moulding is a manufacturing process which enables the production of multifunctional parts without additional assembling. Compatible feedstocks with adjusted shrinkage are required to assure adequate co-debinding and co-sintering. In this study, dilatometry measurements for the stainless steels 430 and 314 were performed. A variation of the particle size was carried out to adjust the characteristic sintering parameters, i. e. sintering starting temperature, temperature of maximum shrinkage rate and final shrinkage. Feedstocks which showed only a slight difference in these parameters were combined systematically to study the effect of mismatches in shrinkage on the quality of the interface. Micro tensile tests, micrographs and hardness measurements were performed to verify a crack-free, well connected interface with adequate mechanical strength and a sharp interdiffusion zone at the interface.