Binder Based Processing of Magnesium Alloy WE43 towards Biomedical Application Using Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

Abstract

In this study to the authors knowledge 1st time, Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technique was used to introduce the magnesium alloy WE43 into binder-based powder metallurgical (PM) processing. Towards later adoption to binder-based 3D-printing technologies, Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) technique, respectively for biomedical application. Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) is a binder based economic near net shape prototyping technique for production of complex shaped parts in high number and high reproducibility, and hence perfect as a “gold standard” for the introduction of new Mg-alloys into binder passed PM processing. In doing so, dogbone shape tensile test specimen were manufactured by MIM, subsequently solvent debound and conventional sintered in argon atmosphere. Next to the as sintered specimens (asS), solid solution heat treatment (T4) and precipitation hardening heat treatment (T6) were performed on additional specimens. Tensile tests pointed out high strength and ductility of as sintered and heat treaded specimens of up to 226 MPa UTS at 7.6% elongation at fracture. The microstructure was investigated using SEM imaging technique equipped with energy disperse x-ray energy analysis (EDX) for secondary phase analysis. Hence, the magnesium alloy WE43 could be identified as a high strength and ductility alloy for binder based PM processing for future additive manufacturing approaches in biomedical applications of patient adapted implants.