Influence of Molecular Structure of POM on Processability Within Metal Injection Molding

Forstner T, Cholewa S, Früh T, Drummer D (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Polymers MDPI

Book Volume: 17

Pages Range: 2621

Issue: 19

DOI: 10.3390/polym17192621

Abstract

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is based on the processing of highly filled polymers via the well established polymer injection molding process. It offers a highly efficient processing route for the indirect manufacturing of especially small and complex metal parts. In this regard, polyoxymethylene (POM) is often used as a primary binder component in MIM feedstocks due to its high debinding rate through a time-saving catalytic debinding process, utilizing the acid-catalyzed degradation of POM for polymer removal. However, thermally induced degradation of POM under processing conditions can also lead to changes in processing behavior, which is particularly important in highly filled polymers due to their already challenging processability. In this context, the present work demonstrates the impact of POM homopolymers (POM-H) and copolymers (POM-C) with varying viscosities on feedstock characteristics, their influence on the thermal processing stability, and their significance for the properties of the green parts. Within the study, the thermal degradation of both material types was assessed by viscosity measurements and thermogravimetry, with POM-H exhibiting more significant degradation compared to the thermally more stable POM-C, especially at higher temperatures. Catalytic debinding performance was found to be adequate for all materials. However, lower viscosity POM-C grades are preferred to optimize processability in MIM.

Authors with CRIS profile

Thomas Forstner Lehrstuhl für Kunststofftechnik (LKT) Simon Cholewa Lehrstuhl für Kunststofftechnik (LKT) Dietmar Drummer Lehrstuhl für Kunststofftechnik (LKT)

Involved external institutions

Oechsler AG DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Forstner, T., Cholewa, S., Früh, T., & Drummer, D. (2025). Influence of Molecular Structure of POM on Processability Within Metal Injection Molding. Polymers, 17, 2621. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192621

MLA:

Forstner, Thomas, et al. "Influence of Molecular Structure of POM on Processability Within Metal Injection Molding." Polymers 17 (2025): 2621.

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