Metal injection molding (MIM) process is hoped to be an advanced powder processing technique for the attributes of forming the high density, complex shaped and high performance components. This process also alleviates the need for secondary working operations because of the net shape forming, which is a suitable production route for the hard materials.
In this study, the effects of MIM processing variations on the mechanical properties and microstructures of precipitation-hardenable 17-4 PH stainless steels were investigated. Carbon content, density, structure, and properties of the MIM steels were very dependent on the debinding, sintering, and heat treatment conditions. Especially, the amount of retained austenite in the structure increased with an increase of the residual carbon content, resulting in poor mechanical properties. Accordingly, the carbon control was a very important operation for this steel, which was successfully performed by adjusting the weight loss of debound compacts. Finally, high performance properties comparable to those of wrought steels were obtained by optimizing the heat treatments.
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