| Metal
Injection Moulding utilizes metal powders, polymer binders to produce
complex shapes. |
|
|
Step1:
Feedstock |
| Fine
metal powder is mixed with polymer and organic binder to form
feedstock. Feedstock quality and repeatability is crucial to the
success of MIM. Feedstock quality ensures end product dimensional
tolerance and finish. |
| KMT
has a detailed documented process to manufacture it's own proprietory
feedstock. KMT also uses pre mixed feedstocks from reputed suppliers.
Using pre mixed feedstock allows a components to be brought to
production stage faster. |
|
|
Step2:
Injection Moulding |
| The
feedstock is pelletized. This pelletized feedstock is injection moulded
to create net shaped components. The injection moulded component with
binder and metal powder mix is called 'Green Component'. |
| Tool
/ Mould quality is extremely important to end prodcut. KMT has inhouse
dedicated team to manufacture moulds. |
|
|
Step3:
Debinding |
| The
'Green Part' is then put in a low temperature oven where part of the
polymer and binder is removed. The part, now with reidual binder, is
called 'Brown Part'. |
|
|
Step4: Sintering |
| The
'Brown Part' is now put in a high temperature sintering furnace in
controlled atmosphere. Sintering is a process in which the component is
heated to a temperature just below the melting point whereby the
particles adhere to each other. The component shrinks upto 20% in this
process. |
