Particle size effect on the rheological behavior of magnetic feedstock for magnetic powder injection molding

Abstract

Powder injection molding is one of the important manufacturing technologies for the net-shape production of metallic and ceramic components. This technology can also be a promising process for mass production of magnetic parts with complex geometries. In the magnetic powder injection molding process, powder characteristics and magneto-rheological behavior of the feedstock are significant factors affecting the final product quality. In the present study, we study magnetorheological behaviors of 17-4 PH feedstock by using a rotational rheometer. Particularly, the effects of particle size and magnetic flux density on the magneto-rheology of the feedstock are investigated in detail and empirical models are proposed to characterize the complex magneto-rheological behaviors.