Micro resistance weld moulding to fabricate CuSn33 alloy parts

CuSn33 alloy micro parts of different shapes and sizes were successfully fabricated to verify the feasibility of a micro resistance weld moulding (micro-RWM). Cylindrical samples were sintered for 30 min at 600 °C, 650 °C and 700 °C and then cooled to room temperature in a furnace. DSC, metallographic analysis, EDS, XRD and micro-hardness testing were used to characterize the performance of the samples. The samples exhibited the same thermal performance before and after sintering but possessed better microhardness prior to sintering. The microhardness and microstructure of the samples were functions of differences in the sintering mechanism and diameter. The size of micro parts suitable for micro-RWM includes a horizontal size of less than 4 mm and a height of less than 2 mm.