Abstract
This study with metal injection molding considers the combined influences of powder characteristics and subsequent debinding and sintering conditions on the control of carbon content and microstructure for many types of high performance ferrous materials. Carbon retention and sintered structure vary significantly with the powder characteristics. Although carbon retention is sensitive to the debinding and sintering atmosphere and conditions, the carbon content can be successfully controlled by adjusting the weight loss after debinding. Mechanical properties are also investigated and compared with that of conventional P/M and wrought materials, and some factors affecting the properties are discussed taking the structure into account. Finally, high performance properties depend on two types of microstructure, one is the fine homogeneous structure in the case of high alloy steels and the other is the fine heterogeneous structure in the case of low alloy steels.
