Optimizing the mechanical properties of injection molded W-4.9%Ni-2.1%Fe in debinding

An L9 experimental matrix design based on the Taguchi method was conducted in debinding to optimize the mechanical properties of injection molded W-4.9% Ni-2.1% Fe. For the factor levels selected in the main experiment, solvent debinding temperature and thermal debinding atmosphere were found to be the principal factors affecting the mechanical properties of injection molded tungsten heavy alloys. The confirmation experiment, which was conducted using the optimum factor levels predicted from the results of the main experiment, yielded an ultimate tensile strength of 1100 MPa, a tensile elongation of 25%, and a hardness of HRA 64. A carbon content higher than 60 ppm was found to be detrimental to the toughness of tungsten heavy alloys.