Preparation of ss 316l feedstock for metal injection molding (MIM) process

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to make the homogeneous mixing of SS 316L steel powder with a multiple binder system in a custom made mixing machine by varying the process parameters like speed, Temperature and time as the homogeneity impacts on the final product in the MIM process. A homogeneous mix of metal powder and binder is essential in metal injection molding process as it affects the product quality significantly. This paper aims at design of new mixing equipment and characterization of SS 316L feed stock. A mixing machine of 2 kg capacity is designed and fabricated to prepare a homogeneous mix of SS 316l material with a multiple binder system. Mixing time, mixing speed and Temperature of Barrel are considered as process parameters. Taguchi techniques are used to optimize the process parameters. The RPM of the blade is varied from 20 to 40 in steps of 10, the temperature is varied from 200 to 240 in steps of 20 and the mixing time is varied from 20 to 40 minutes in steps of 10. The results of the experimentation reveals that mixing temperature has a profound effect on the homogeneity of the mix.