Micro-powder injection molding of micro-structures

In this project, a feasible study on the production of 316L stainless steel micro-structures by micro-powder injection molding (micro-PIM) is presented. Three types of micro-structures were molded and the molding was conducted on a conventional injection molding machine. Based on the characteristics of the mold inserts and the feedstock, suitable molding parameters were selected. Some requirements for the production of the micro-structures were discussed. For example, high melt temperature was required. The study showed that 316L stainless steel micro-needles of tip diameter 10 μm and 20 μm, micro-square pillars of 80 x 80 μm and 100 x 100 μm, and micro-circle pillars of Ø60 x 191 μm depth and Ø80 x 196 μm depth can be injection molded. However, incomplete filling occurred in all the micro-structures, especially those away from the gate. The molded parts were successfully debound and sintered except for micro-circle pillars of Ø60 x 191 μm depth which bent after debinding. Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering