In-situ-characterization of atmosphere dependence of thermal debinding

Methods of thermal analysis are valuable tools for in-situ-characterization of processes and materials during the production of PM parts. Thermal debinding of powder compacts is critically for high product quality. A very important step for creating improved temperature-time-atmosphere profiles for debinding is the determination of the dependence of debinding on atmosphere. Thermogravimetry (mass changes) and Mass Spectrometry (gas analysis) are suitable methods to study thermal debinding in-situ. With these methods it is shown like changes of the atmosphere influence the reactions during debinding and therefore the temperature range and the debinding rate. This knowledge can be used to avoid problems like cracks or organic residues which influence important properties of the sintered material, such as the strength and / or the carbon balance. The application of the knowledge from in-situ-characterization of atmosphere dependence of thermal debinding is a tool for improving PM