Simulation and Experiment of Injection Molding Process for Superalloy Feedstock

Abstract

Powder injection molding is an important manufacturing technology to mass produce superalloy componentswith complex shape. Injection molding step is particularly important for realizing a desired shape, which requiresmuch time and efforts finding the optimum process condition. Therefore computer aided engineering can be very usefulto find proper injection molding conditions. In this study, we have conducted a finite element method based simulationfor the spiral mold test of superalloy feedstock and compared the results with experimental ones. Sensitivity analysiswith both of simulation and experiment reveals that the melt temperature of superalloy feedstock is the most importantfactor for the full filling of mold cavity. The FEM based simulation matches well the experimental results. This studycontributes to the optimization of superalloy powder injection molding process.