Development of sintered nickel alloy by powder injection molding

The powder injection molding is a manufacturing process that allows high productivity to obtain complex geometry components, dimensional accuracy and good mechanical properties. In this process, a mixture of a quantity of powders and organic binders (polymers, waxes, oils) is obtained through injection of a mass (feedstock) which has rheological properties suitable for promoting the injection of this mass in a cavity of a mold. The production of nickel alloy by this process is an alternative to production of products that require advanced applications, which require resistance to corrosion and oxidation, mechanical strength at high temperatures and low coefficient of friction. This paper we present the study of the microstructural and mechanical properties of a nickel alloy (Ni-Fe-Cr-P) processed by powder injection molding, using carbonyl nickel powders with and without the presence of liquid phase during sintering. The results are compared with the alloy processed by powder compaction. The results demonstrate the need for increased amount of organic matter for developing the injection mass (feedstock: 15 wt.% polymer) for the types of metallic powders used (nickel INCO type 123 carbonyl) compared to commercial alloy feedstock typically use a smaller amount of organic matter (feedstock: 9 wt.% polymer). The largest quantity of organic matter needed for the preparation of the feedstock due to the morphology of the powders used (spiky) which promoted carbon retention during the extraction process, resulting in the need to optimize the extraction cycle and thermal sintering. Slower cycles and low temperature promoted the complete extraction of the ligands. The Ni-Fe-Cr-P alloy injected showed shrinkage of approximately 50%, and high levels of pores as compared to the compacted material, which influenced the mechanical properties and apparent hardness of the material.

sintered nickel alloy; powder compaction; powder injection molding