Net shaped articles having complex internal undercut features
US6776955B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2998/10
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention describes a novel production method of manufacturing metal/ceramic articles with complex internal undercut features using powder injection molding processes The shape of the undercut/hollow feature is initially molded using a disposable material such as a degradable polymer. The PIM feedstock is then molded onto this to form the required shape geometry, in effect encapsulating the polymeric feature in the PIM feedstock. The resulting two-material part is then sent for processing which removes the polymer through solvent or thermal process. After the polymer and the binder have been removed, the part now comprises a powder skeleton that contains the internal undercut feature within itself. After sintering the result is a metal/ceramic part having an internal undercut feature. The technical advantage of the present invention is that it does not require complex toolings or costly secondary operations while retaining the flexibility to design any internal undercut features of complex geometry. An additional embodiment of the invention is also disclosed in which a solid structure is encapsulated inside a hollow shell said structure being free to move around inside the she…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.