As a future oriented company, Schunk Sintermetalltechnik are continually researching, developing and optimising new materials and processes. This includes improving material performance by optimising alloying and heat treatment processes, increasing density by warm compaction and high temperature sintering as well as continual optimisation of our processes to improve tolerances and accuracy. In addition to constantly developing our engineering skills, we are actively involved in the following key areas:

• Weight reduction by using aluminium components for engines in the automotive industry
• Development of materials for high temperature applications
• Manufacture of complex-shaped components by using Micro MIM technology
• Heat resisting materials
• Joint research in conjunction with universities, business partners and customers
• Development of new processes

Heat resisting materials
Materials with high creep resistance as well as resistance against hot gas corrosion are required for use at high temperatures. Known standardised materials such as high-alloyed ferric and nickel-based materials can be successfully produced by MIM techniques. Furthermore, additional alloying elements can be added for individual secondary treatment to these materials.

Example of a high-alloy iron-based material:
X2CrNiSi25.20

Examples of nickel-based materials:
Udimet 720, Inco 713, B 1964, MAR-M247, GMR-235D

Micro-MIM
The increasing miniaturisation of components in various branches of engineering is leading to a growing demand for small, complex-shaped, high-strength components. In addition to the mechanical demands , special requirements are frequently made concerning chemical/physical specifications such as resistance to corrosion and oxidation, expansion under heat, conductivity or magnetic characteristics.

The process of Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) is especially suited to the manufacture of this type of component. The reason for this is a combination of the variety of geometrical design possibilities offered by plastic injection moulding and the wide range of powder metallurgical materials available. It is already possible to manufacture complex shaped metallic components with weights of less than 0.1 g and dimensions below 1 mm with highest accuracy in industrial production (fig. 1).

Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH has declared it their target to further develop the MIM procedure especially for the manufacture of small and micro parts with tightest of tolerances and, for that reason, is closely cooperating with partners in industry and research. In addition to decreasing tolerances, our main objective is the manufacture of the finest moulded structures within a reliable industrial process (fig. 2).