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needle, the deeper the micropits, and thus the larger the bottom size of the micropillar. Shrinkage during sintering of micropillars, calculated from parameters collected from ten random micropillars, is approximately 20%. This leaves the average size after sintering at the top of 170 μm and on the bottom at 205 μm. The authors stated that pillar-like micro-textures can significantly reduce the contact area with a counter body in a controlled way, which suggests potential applications in controlling surface friction between sliding materials. However,
Fig. 3 (a) Curved MIM 316L SS surface containing micropillars and (b) its SEM image. (From paper: ‘Precise fabrication of microtextured stainless steel surfaces using metal injection moulding’, by L Ammosova, et al. Precision Engineering, Vol. 62, 2020, pp 89–94) apart from their tribological properties, these micro-textured stainless steels could also serve as a new platform for the fabrication of substrates with controlled wettability, such as superhydrophic and ice-repellent surfaces. Other potential applications were also cited including those for micropits (Fig. 2(e)) which have the potential to act as reservoirs for both solid and oil lubricants for low friction applications. Moreover, micropits can act as a protective vessel for locating and growing cells and various particles, and can be used as protection from environmental damage. In addition, micropits on a metallic support can be used as a corrosion resistant durable microreactor for loading of catalysts and transformation of exhaust gases. As mentioned earlier it is possible to fabricate these Ni mould inserts not only in planar but also curved shaped surfaces, as shown in Fig. 3. It can be seen in this figure that the quality of the replicated micropillars on the curved surface is relatively good, giving such MIM microtextures the potential to reduce surface friction between moving parts such as bearings. Research was funded by Business Finland/ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) project ‘Multifunctional powder metallurgical products.’ www.uef.fi https://www.journals.elsevier. com/precision-engineering
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Powder Injection Moulding International
March 2020
© 2020 Inovar Communications Ltd
Vol. 14 No. 1