Optimising sintering in metal injection moulding using in situ neutron diffraction

Abstract

The phase evolution during the sintering of metal injection moulded stainless steel, 316L and 17-4PH, has been observed using in situ neutron diffraction and Rietveld analysis. The formation of the ferrite phase in the final product is associated with the production of δ-ferrite at high temperatures. Coexistence of phases at high temperature is thought to allow the segregation of alloying elements, stabilising the ferrite to lower temperature. To prevent ferrite in the final products the sintering must occur at a lower temperature than that at which δ-ferrite is formed. An alternative regime is proposed in which the temperature would be cycled around the formation temperature of δ-ferrite. Show more