Investigation of the powder loading of gas-atomized Ti6Al4V powder using an ‘in-house’ binder for metal injection moulding

Abstract

Powder loading is one of the most critical factors in metal injection moulding (MIM) technology. It largely determines the success or failure of the subsequent MIM processes. A gas-atomized Ti6Al4V powder was investigated to determine an optimum powder loading. Five different kinds of powder loadings – 55, 60, 65, 68 and 70 vol.% – were selected based on tap density calculations. Feedstocks were prepared using a wax-based CSIR binder. Powder loading investigations were performed by means of rheological studies. All the feedstocks followed a pseudo-plastic behaviour, flow index behaviour n < 1. A 65 vol.% powder loading demonstrated the best rheological properties i.e. smallest flow index behaviour (n) and moderate activation energy (E).