As the raw material of MIM (Metal Injection Molding), carbonyl and atomized iron powders have been utilized.
In stead of those expensive powders, pulverized iron powder was developed and the possibility of application for MIM was checked. The results are as follows:
(1) By a globular treatment, the fluidity of the powder is improved in injection molding process.
(2) As concerns sintered compacts, the relative density is over 95%, and the tensile strength and elongation obtained are satisfactory.
(3) When a debinded compact contains much oxygen, a low temperature reduction is effective for increasing sintered density.
(4) Furthermore, the reduction is effective for carbon control of sintered compact, and a high carbon compact can be manufactured easily.