Binderless Metal Injection Molding Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A metal injection molding apparatus includes a metal injection mold die having first and second die halves, a first set of features provided in the first die half, a second set of features provided in the second die half and complementary to the first set of features provided in the first die half and an ultrasonic transducer disposed in contact with the metal injection mold die. A binderless metal injection molding method is also disclosed.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A binderless metal injection molding method, comprising:
 providing a metal injection mold die having die features;   injecting metal powder into said die features of said metal injection mold die without plastic binder; and   compacting said metal powder in said die features of said metal injection mold die by inducing ultrasonic vibrations in said metal injection mold die.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said compacting said metal powder in said die features of said metal injection mold die comprises providing an ultrasonic transducer, placing said ultrasonic transducer in contact with said metal injection mold die and operating said ultrasonic transducer 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said providing a metal injection mold die having die features comprises providing a metal injection mold die having die cavities.