OPTIMIZING THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF INJECTION-MOLDED W-4.9-PERCENT-NI-2.1-PERCENT-FE IN DEBINDING

An L9 experimental matrix design based on the Taguchi method was condu cted in debinding to optimize the mechanical properties of injection m olded W-4.9% Ni-2.1% Fe. For the factor levels selected in the main ex periment, solvent debinding temperature and thermal debinding atmosphe re were found to be the principal factors affecting the mechanical pro perties of injection molded tungsten heavy alloys. The confirmation ex periment, which was conducted using the optimum factor levels predicte d from the results of the main experiment, yielded an ultimate tensile strength of 1100 MPa, a tensile elongation of 25%, and a hardness of HRA 64. A carbon content higher than 60 ppm was found to be detrimenta l to the toughness of tungsten heavy alloys. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.