Metal Powder Injection Molding Process for Manufacturing Adapter Component

Abstract

Adapters are a component of the output system in the internally geared hub for a bicycle. Originally, adapter parts were produced by a machining process with low productivity and material usage rate. In this study, the metal powder injection molding (MIM) process has been applied as an alternative manufacturing method to the machining process. Microstructure analysis and mechanical property testing has been conducted in order to select the material for the adapter with changes in the nickel content. The geometrical precision of the adapter is measured by using three-dimensional scanner with various mixing ratios of the powder and the binder. The developed alternative process for the adapter results in increased productivity and material usage rate. Previously, this process was only used for small parts less than 10 mm in diameter. With this development, the MIM process may be used more widely than before.