Production Of TWIP Steel By Metal Injection Molding Using Bimodal Powder Mixtures

TWIP steels are a high manganese austenitic steels that possess both, very high tensile strength and large elongation together with an outstanding high work hardening rate. This makes possible to reduce cross section of components providing as well enhanced impact energy absorption ability, which in turns make them attractive, but not limited, to automotive applications. Nevertheless, their processing by continuous casting is relatively complicated due to the strong Mn segregation. This work study an alternative fabrication route using MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technique since it permits high densifications, closed to those obtained by casting avoiding some typical defects as the manganese segregation. Therefore, it is expected to provide similar or higher mechanical properties than conventional casting. Current study is focused on providing an appropriate feedstock which includes an organic binder based on HDPE and prealloyed Fe-Mn-C-Al-Si atomized powder. The use of bimodal powder mixtures to improve the sintered density is explored.