Abstract
A Micro Metal Injection Molding (μ-MIM) process needs more sophisticated techniques than the conventional metal injection molding. Especially, inhomogeneous state of feedstock will strongly influence on the quality of the final products. In order to evaluate the mixing and pelletizing conditions of the feedstock, we focused on the unit of pellet. In this study, the effects of homogeneity of the pellet on the mechanical properties of products were investigated. In order to fabricate the homogeneous pellets, pelletizing process was added. Homogeneity of pellets was evaluated by variation in density and binder fraction of individual pellets, that is, coefficient of variation (CV). Re-pelletizing process was confirmed to improve the homogeneity of pellets. Micro dumbbell specimen was fabricated and the CV for the specimen was investigated, the results showed that the properties of micro dumbbell specimen were improved by re-pelletizing the pellet.
