In this study, a structural hold down component was designed and produced using the particulate injection moulding (PIM) process. The material of choice was titanium due not only to the material properties but also due to the desire to create custom-made components for a state-of-the-art marine vessel, Earthrace 2.On removal from the mould, the green parts were seen to have an irregular surface on the top face. Known as surface bloom, it can be seen during moulding of single-phase commodity polymers as a result of changes in the polymer density, due to shear stresses and irregularities of turbulent flow.Literature suggests the surface bloom is a result of a separation between the two phases, but the preliminary findings show little evidence of this within the sectioned profile. The sintered parts were sectioned, and inspection of the surfaces was done using metallographic techniques. The use of CAD models enabled the defect to be modelled and the models provided a more likely scenario. It was further confirmed that there were no through part defects present and although the surface irregularities were caused by separation of the two-phases, the effect was restricted to the outer surface of the parts.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.