D. Heck, The Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO

Summary:

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a low cost method of fabricating small and complex parts that have mechanical properties similar to those of the wrought version of the alloy, about 96-97% for both Inconel 718 and 17-4 stainless steel.

Boeing Phantom Works is investigating applications of this process to a variety of aircraft mechanisms and systems programs. Boeing Phantom Works has surveyed the capabilities of several US MIM suppliers, in a static properties test program completed in early 2004. Boeing is currently performing a study with the University of Sheffield, England to determine the fatigue properties of parts made using this process.

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of these two studies. The initial results of the static program will be updated with the latest results. The initial results of the fatigue test program will be reported.