Production of micro-porous austenitic stainless steel by powder injection molding

The powder space holder (PSH) and powder injection molding (PIM) methods have an industrial competitive advantage that is capable of net-shape production of the micro-sized porous parts. In this study, a micro-porous austenitic stainless steel part was produced by the PSH–PIM process. Spherical poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles were used as a space holder material. The effects of fraction and average size of PMMA on properties of sintered micro-porous austenitic stainless steel samples were investigated. It was shown that the fraction and average size of PMMA could be controlled properties.