Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology (SJEAT)
Volume-6 | Issue-11 | 392-398
Original Research Article
Rheological Evaluation of Titanium Alloy Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Feedstock
M. A. Ahmad, N. Johari, M. J. Sulaiman, R. Ibrahim, M. A. Omar
Published : Nov. 16, 2021
Abstract
In PIM process, the molding stage is a critical step for the fabrication of sound parts without cracks and distortions. So, this step requires specific rheological behavior. Rheological analysis can be made to quantify the stability of the PIM feedstock during molding process. In this study, an experimental rheological study has been performed to evaluate the effect of composition binder system on the stability of titanium alloy powder injection molding (MIM) feedstock in term of shear sensitivity and activation energy. The rheology properties of feedstock were measured via capillary rheometer machine. The viscosity of feedstocks was measured at temperature of 120C, 130C, 140C and 150C under different five (5) different constant load at 20N,30N,40N,50N and 60N respectively. The results show that the addition of binder component which possess low molecule weight has reduce flow behavior index value and increase flow activation energy value of feedstock. However, the feedstock produced will get a problem such powder-binder separation and high residue stress which will defect the molded part component. The formulation binder system PEPS 4060 is the best feedstock for titanium alloy MIM process because it has moderate value of flow sensitivity index and flow activation energy value and higher value for mold ability index.