Mechanical behaviour and interface evaluation of hybrid MIM/PBF stainless steel components
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 14 October 2020
Issue publication date: 28 November 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The paper reports an investigation into the mechanical behaviour of hybrid components produced by combining the capabilities of metal injection moulding (MIM) with the laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF) process to produce small series of hybrid components. The research investigates systematically the mechanical properties and the performance of the MIM/PBF interfaces in such hybrid components.
Design/methodology/approach
The MIM process is employed to fabricate relatively lower cost preforms in higher quantities, whereas the PBF technology is deployed to build on them sections that can be personalised, customised or functionalised to meet specific technical requirements.
Findings
The results are discussed, and conclusions are made about the mechanical performance of such hybrid components produced in batches and also about the production efficiency of the investigated hybrid manufacturing (HM) route. The obtained results show that the proposed HM route can produce hybrid MIM/PBF components with consistent mechanical properties and interface performance which comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Originality/value
The manufacturing of hybrid components, especially by combining the capabilities of additive manufacturing processes with cost-effective complementary technologies, is designed to be exploited by industry because they can offer flexibility and cost advantages in producing small series of customisable products. The findings of this research will contribute to further develop the state of the art in regards to the manufacturing and optimisation of hybrid components.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors also acknowledge the support received from Systems 3R for the modular workholding system.
This research has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No “www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278612518300943#gs0005” 723826 (MAESTRO). The authors would like to thank the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) for the financial support of Aldi Mehmeti’s PhD research.
Citation
Mehmeti, A., Penchev, P., Lynch, D., Vincent, D., Maillol, N., Maurath, J., Bajolet, J., Wimpenny, D.I., Essa, K. and Dimov, S. (2020), "Mechanical behaviour and interface evaluation of hybrid MIM/PBF stainless steel components", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 26 No. 10, pp. 1809-1825. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-10-2019-0256
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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