Mold Making

Molds similar to those used in conventional plastic injection molding are designed and fabricated. CAD/CAM technology is used to enhance the design and fabrication process.

Mixing

Fine metal powders, thermoplastic binders and other proprietary materials are mixed to form a homogeneous feedstock.

Molding

Conventional injection molding machines are used to create “green parts.” These parts are typically 15-20% larger than the finished product.

Debinding

Green parts are exposed to heat, solvent or a combination of both to remove most of the binder material. The de-bound are called “brown parts”.

Sintering

“Brown parts” are sintered in vacuum-type furnaces. The intense heat shrinks the parts 17-22% to almost complete density, however the shrinkage has already been taken into consideration when the molds are designed. The parts are then complete. Also, secondary machining or surface treatment is available.