Powder injection molding is a newer net-shape powder metallurgy technology for the production of full density, high performance engineering components. It simply uses a metal powder and polymer mixture to allow forming in a molding machine with subsequent extraction of the polymer prior to sintering of the powder to full density. The technology has established a great track record in several applications, including sporting equipment, firearms, data storage systems, and medical devices. Now exciting designs are emerging as engineers begin to realize the new materials, material combinations, designs, and cost efficiencies only possible via this technology. Over the past 20 years, the initial concept has advanced to include most of the common engineering materials. Now we are approaching a period where powder injection molding serves new designs with material combinations only possible via this exciting technology. A few examples will be given that include tailored porosity, laminated wear components, hollow components, harder tool steels, and other novel functionally designed devices not previously possible in manufacturing.

Professor Randall M. German is Brush Chair Professor in Materials at Penn State Univ, USA. He is presently Nanyang Professor at Nanyang Technological University. He has authored 10 books, 16 patents and over 600 technical articles covering powder metallurgy, ceramics and physical metallurgy. He is also Fellow of ASM International and APMI International. Prof German has been conferred numerous awards and citations including the Japan Research Institute of Materials Technology Lectureship Award (1999), Premiere Research Award (1998) and the Pennsylvannia State Society Outstanding Research Award (1995).

For inquires, please contact Associate Professor Khor Khiam Aik at mkakhor@ntu.edu.sg.