What is the purpose of the degreasing sintering integrated furnace
source:
www.361jb.com | publish time:2025年09月17日
The degreasing sintering integrated furnace is a core specialized equipment in the field of powder metallurgy (especially metal injection molding MIM, ceramic injection molding CIM). Its core purpose is to integrate the "powder body containing binder" through two key processes of "degreasing (removing binder)+sintering (densification molding)" to achieve the transformation of the body into high-performance finished products. The specific purpose can be decomposed according to process requirements and application scenarios as follows:
1. Core function: Solve the continuous production of "degreasing sintering" in powder metallurgy
The blank of powder metallurgy (such as MIM) is made by mixing and pressing "metal/ceramic powder+binder". The binder needs to be removed first (degreasing), and then high-temperature sintering is carried out to densify the powder particles. The traditional process requires two devices, "degreasing furnace+sintering furnace", to operate in stages. The integrated furnace, through correct temperature control, atmosphere regulation, and process connection design, allows the blank to complete two consecutive processes in the same equipment:
Defatting stage: Through low temperature (usually 100-600 ℃) and specific atmosphere (such as nitrogen, hydrogen, inert gas), slowly decompose and discharge the binder in the billet to avoid cracking and deformation caused by rapid volatilization of the binder;
Sintering stage: After degreasing is completed, the equipment automatically heats up to a high temperature (usually 800-1400 ℃ for metal powder and higher for ceramic powder), and under a protective atmosphere, the powder particles diffuse and fuse to form a high-density and mechanically qualified finished product (such as strength and hardness), while reducing the risk of oxidation and contamination during the transfer of the billet between equipment.
2. Key application scenarios: Suitable for high-precision, little batch/large batch powder metallurgy products
Its application highly matches the production needs of powder metallurgy products, especially for products with complex shapes, high precision requirements, and sensitivity to performance. Typical applications include:
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) field: producing precision automotive components (such as gears, sensor housings), electronic components (such as connectors, micro motor parts), medical devices (such as surgical instruments, implant components) - these products have complex blanks, and poor degreasing or sintering temperature fluctuations can easily lead to scrap. The "continuous process+correct temperature control" of the integrated furnace can ensure the accuracy of the finished product (within a dimensional tolerance of ± 0.1mm) and performance stability;
Ceramic injection molding (CIM) field: manufacturing high-strength ceramic products (such as zirconia dentures, alumina insulation parts, ceramic cutting tools) - ceramic bodies are prone to brittleness after degreasing, and the integrated furnace does not need to transfer the bodies, which can avoid handling damage. At the same time, the atmosphere control during the high-temperature sintering stage (such as oxygen atmosphere) can ensure the purity and density of ceramics;
In other powder metallurgy fields, such as the production of hard alloy (tungsten steel) products and magnetic materials (ferrite, neodymium iron boron), integrated furnaces can adjust the degreasing curve (heating rate, holding time) and sintering parameters (temperature, atmosphere, cooling rate) to meet the process requirements of different powder materials and improve production efficiency.
3. Core values: Improve efficiency, ensure quality, and reduce costs
Compared to traditional equipment separation processes, the use of integrated furnaces is also reflected in the optimization of the production end:
Reduce process connection time: No need to manually transfer the billet, directly enter sintering after degreasing, shorten production cycle by 30% -50%;
Reduce quality risks: avoid oxidation and pollution caused by exposure of the billet to air during transfer, and achieve higher uniformity of temperature field within the same equipment (temperature difference can be controlled within ± 5 ℃), reducing the probability of deformation and cracking of the finished product;
Save space and energy consumption: One device replaces two, reducing the occupation of the factory building; The heat generated during the degreasing stage can be partially recovered for sintering preheating, reducing overall energy consumption (saving 15% -20% compared to traditional processes).