Fabrication of Free-Form Channels by a combined process of Metal Injection Molding and Sacrificial-Core Method

Abstract

A novel process has been examined to produce a free-form metal pipe containing thin channels. This process combined a sacrificial-core method and Metal Injection Molding (MIM). MIM compound containing SUS304 stainless steel powder was used as a body compound, and a compound with Cu powder was used as a sacrificial-core compound. These compounds were assembled and injection-molded, and then thermally treated for dewaxing and sintering. With an adequate heating treatment, the sacrificial-core metal migrated to the body-metal region, and thus a channel was successfully produced.