In the metal powder injection molding process, metal powder is sintered into a solid shape. In this process, ceramic setters are essential to prevent its deformation during the sintering process and ensure the dimensional stability of the metal part. MIM can mass-produce small-sized parts (usually less than 50 mm) with complex geometries. Custom aluminum oxide sintering setter optimizes the sintering process by ensuring even heat distribution and minimizing part contamination.
Advantages of High-Purity Alumina Ceramic Setters/Sintering Trays or Plates
1.High Thermal Resistance
Aluminum oxide sintering setter has good high-temperature stability, which is mainly due to its high melting point, high thermal conductivity and good thermal shock resistance. In the sinter process, it can reduce setter thickness to improve energy utilization. So we can use it as a sintering tool for stainless steel, tungsten and other refractory alloys.
2.Inert surfaces
Alumina ceramic setters are chemically inert and don’t react with metals or sintering environments (such as argon, hydrogen or vacuum), it is preventing contamination and maintaining metal component purity. As a result, these setsters also have a long service life without repair.
3.Low Thermal Expansion
Alumina’s low coefficient of thermal expansion reduces size changes when cooling and heating, ensuring consistent metal components geometry and reducing the risk of cracking.
4.Surface Roughness
Innovacera can customize the surface roughness of alumina ceramic setters, a general surface roughness of Ra < 0.4–1.6 µm reduces sticking between the setter and MIM parts. A particle-free surface also protects metal parts from contamination from the setters.
5.Mechanical Strength
Alumina setters have high compressive strength, which enables it to withstand heavy loads without deformation. Its wear resistance also prolongs its service life and reduces replacement frequency. The service life is about 50-200 cycles (depending on thermal shock.
High-purity Alumina Setters Applications in MIM Sintering
-High-purity alumina setters are used in sintering:
-Aerospace components (e.g., nickel-based superalloys)
-Medical implants (e.g., titanium orthopedic components )
-Automotive parts (e.g., gears and fuel injectors)
-Electronics (e.g., copper heat sinks)
INNOVACERA produces a series of custom and standard ceramic setters, and it is made of alumina ceramic, aluminum nitride ceramic and boron nitride ceramic. If you need any ceramic setter, please feel free to contact us.
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