Influence of the process parameters on the microstructure of the metal injection molded body

Metal injection molding of a thin surgical component using a Palm-Stearin based SS۳۱۶L feedstock was investigated. The study first determined the optimal solids loading of the feedstock, followed by examining its sensitivity to the shear rate and temperature, to ensure its pseudo-plastic behavior. After developing the Moldability index, a process window was established based on the experiments to present appropriate injection parameters. Using the analysis of variance, the significance and mutual coupling of each parameter was evaluated. The study found that the impact of injection speed was greater than other parameters, while holding pressure showed little effect.