In this paper, rheological characteristics of Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) feedstock using locally binder of palm stearin are presented. The feedstock consisted of 316L-grade stainless steel powder with three different particle sizes and the binders comprise palm stearin and polyethylene. The viscosity of MIM feedstock at different temperatures and shear rates was measured and evaluated. Results showed that, the feedstock containing palm stearin exhibited suitable rheological properties and suitable to produce a homogeneous feedstock that is favorable for injection molding process.

To lower the cost of MIM products, the gate and runner materials and green parts with defects are usually recycled. It is necessary to understand what causes the recycled products to deteriorate. The results show that the viscosity of the 1R (recycled once) feedstock was slightly lower than that of the fresh material. However, as the number of recyclings increased, the viscosity increased, while the density decreased, and more defects were noticed duri ng solvent debinding. These deteriorations were mainly caused by the increase of the melting point of the backbone binder and the oxidation of the filler or paraffin wax.