Particulate feedstock for metal injection molding

摘要

PCT No. PCT/AU93/00454 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 24, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 24, 1995 PCT Filed Sep. 6, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO94/06586 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 31, 1994Particles of metal alloys and composites have been developed that are particularly suitable for use in producing thixotropic alloys and in the injection molding of such alloys. The particulate material comprises particles of metal alloy or composite, wherein a substantial proportion of the particles is shaped such that the ratio of the length of the largest dimension of a particle to the effective diameter of the particle is in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 and the substantial proportion of particles has a particle size wherein the largest dimension of the particles lies within the range of 0.5 to 5.0 mm. This allows convenient handling of the particles whilst also avoiding binding or clogging of the screw, in the case where a screw extruder is used.