Trapping binding agents from powdered metals and binder jet 3D printing, whether large volumes or small.

Debinding and sintering are critical processes in powder metallurgy, particularly in the production of metal and ceramic parts. Typically performed with the MIM process, debinding involves the removal of binders added to the powder mixture for shaping, compacting and handling before sintering. The removal of binders is crucial to prevent defects like poor densification, distortion or retaining excess carbon during sintering. Various debinding methods, such as thermal, chemical, or solvent-based techniques, are employed depending on the material and binder used. However, this review discusses the combination of temperature and vacuum to perform the removal. Sintering, where the powder particles are heated to a temperature below the melting point, is mainly performed in a vacuum atmosphere devoid of contaminants. In addition to an in-depth discussion of debinding in today’s high volume world, binder-jet debinding and smaller vacuum units are also discussed. Design requirements of trapping and cooling the myriad binder chemistries adds challenges to the design engineer of the complex vacuum furnace system. With successful vacuum debinding and sintering, the world of aerospace, medical and various industries can achieve quality parts with complex shapes that are processed to perform.