Method of injection molding ceramic greenward composites without knit lines

摘要

A method and apparatus for injection molding of ceramic suspension is disclosed wherein an elastomeric bladder is disposed within a mold cavity of a mold. The elastomeric bladder, in a relaxed state, can be tubular or can be formed by bonding together sheets of material. A ceramic suspension is injected into the elastomeric bladder, whereby the elastomeric bladder is distended. Distention of the elastomeric bladder applied a significant force to the ceramic suspension for preventing jetting and formation of knit lines within the ceramic suspension. The ceramic suspension distends the elastomeric bladder until the mold cavity is filled. The ceramic suspension is then exposed to conditions sufficient to cause the injected ceramic suspension to form a molded ceramic greenware composite. The molded ceramic greenware composite can then be removed from the mold for drying and for debindering and densification to form a finished ceramic part.