Optimization of 67% powder loading co-30cr-6Mo μMIM part by Taguchi method

Abstract

This research studies the effect of injection moulding parameters on the density of green body of Cobalt-30Chromium-6Molybdenum (Co-30Cr-6Mo) for powder injection moulding (PIM) feedstock. In this paper 20 micron Co-Cr-Mo powder was mixed with a palm stearin and polyethylene binder system. L18 orthogonal array by Taguchi Method was used to optimize and predict the future performance. Several injection parameters were optimized such as injection temperature, holding pressure, injection temperature, and mould temperature and injection time. The result shows that the optimum combination of these parameters will produce higher density micro parts. The optimum parameters for 67% powder loading of 20μm Co-30Cr-6Mo powder is 180°C injection temperature, while injection pressure, mold temperature, packing time and injection time are 10 bar, 100°C, 5 s and 7 s respectively.