Abstract
In order to develop the high-strength and high-hardness 440C stainless steel compacts, metal injection molding process was applied. In this study, we focused on the effect of sintering atmosphere, powder loading, and carbon addition on the mechanical properties and microstructures. The injection molded compacts were debound by solvent debinding followed by thermal debinding, and sintered at three sintering temperatures; 1240, 1250, and 1260°C in two atmospheres; pure hydrogen and partial vacuum. Three levels of powder loading 60, 63, and 64 vol% were prepared. Compacts were heat treated in order to enhance the performance. Although the sintered compacts in pure hydrogen obtained higher density, the performance offered by partial vacuum sintered compacts was found to be far better. Compact density of 98% and hardness 63 HRC were achieved at powder loading of 63 vol% with additional 0.4 mass%C.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 264-271 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Funtai Oyobi Fummatsu Yakin/Journal of the Japan Society of Powder and Powder Metallurgy |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - May 2012 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
- Metals and Alloys
- Materials Chemistry