Production of metal matrix composite part by powder injection molding

The application of powder injection molding (PIM) to metal matrix composite s (MMCs) comprising of 316L stainless steel and TiC powders are presented. The processing steps are discussed and a suitable set of powder loading, mi xing procedure, molding condition and debinding schedule was established. D efect-free parts were successfully produced. The effects of sintering param eters on the microhardness and density were studied. The addition of TIC im proves the microhardness and density. Increasing the sintering temperature or heating rate also improve the above-mentioned properties. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.