Micro-PIM - Influence on qualiy of micro-structured ceramic parts

Powder Injection Moulding (PIM) is a net shape production technology for complex shaped metal or ceramic parts. It includes different process steps whereas injection moulding is used for the production of green parts. Errors introduced in this step cannot be compensated for in the following process steps. Therefore it is important to know the relationship between injection moulding and the quality of the final part. In our investigation LIGA inserts are used to produce test pieces for the characterisation of the filling behaviour. The used feedstocks are a mixture of zirconia with two different binder systems, a catalytic and a water soluble one. The part quality is characterized by shrinkage, surface quality (Ra, Rz) and mass reduction during the PIM process. The results are important for the design of the feedstocks themselves, the design of micro-strucured PIM parts and the related moulds.