There are two steps in Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) that require a furnace: Debinding to remove the binder of the green part and sintering to improve the overall density and strength of the metal part.

Depending on the individual application, either two or three furnace systems are typically required. One for catalytic removal of the binder and then either one or two furnaces for thermal debinding and sintering.

Carbolite furnaces designed for Metal Injection Moulding processes feature benefits such as low energy consumption, data logging, touchscreen controller interface, and easy handling of waste binder without the need for condensate traps. Our furnaces for catalytic binder removal are water heated, preventing any condensation of nitric acid within the unit; our high-stability heating cassettes ensure that debinding and sintering processes can run 24/7.

Yes, partial pressure with Ar, N2 or H2 is possible in a furnace. The pressure can be adjusted in the controller software to between 100 – 1000 mbar. The opening angle of a pneumatic valve is set to ensure the pressure within the furnace vessel is kept at a constant level. For the hydrogen partial pressure mode, all required safety standards are applied and certified by TÜV.

The excellent temperature uniformity within Carbolite’s furnaces designed for Metal Injection Moulding is achieved by using a symmetrical heating element arrangement, multiple heating zones, and a sealed retort to contain the modified atmosphere. The retort also protects the furnace from any binder that may condense during the process.

Depending on the size of the Metal Injection Moulding furnace, when processing using partial pressure, the binder is either handled by condensate traps for smaller furnaces or by dissolving the binder in oil. The latter is extremely advantageous for larger units, since the maintenance effort is drastically reduced compared to condensate traps.

Carbolite offers a range of different sized furnaces for catalytic and thermal debinding as well as sintering in Metal Injection Moulding processes. Custom manual handling systems can be provided to transfer parts between the different furnaces, on request.

Titanium can be sintered in either a pure Argon atmosphere, or under high vacuum. Carbolite’s extensive experience in vacuum technology enables us to deliver furnace systems with the lowest leakage rates, thus the highest vacuum capabilities. Dependent on requirements, we can equip systems with suitable vacuum pump accesories.