In the past years, low-pressure injection molding (LPIM) has been a good alternative for the production of small batches of diversified complex shapes ceramic parts. This molding technique is relatively simple and cheap, but presents several problems related to debinding, especially for fine ceramic particle, and large cross-section ceramic pieces. In this work, we present a metodology for the production of ceramic parts based on the LPIM of submicrometer-sized alumina powder (0.4 mum). The binder formulation is described, as well as the details of the debinding stage. For the development of this process it was necessary (i) to achieve a better understanding of the LPIM process, (ii) develop the binder formulation and to find the better proportion for the binder plus ceramic powder mixture, (iii) to prepare molds suitable for LPIM and (iv) to optimize the injection parameters. The procedure here reported makes it possible to produce complex shape ceramic parts, with relatively large cross-section, allowing the robust production of small batches of diversified ceramic parts, with high quality and excellent reproducibility.
low pressure injection molding; submicrometer-sized alumina; advanced ceramic
