Development of bingham semi-solid/fluid isostatic pressing powder compaction process

A new powder compaction process named "Bingham semi-solid/fluid Isostatic Pressing (BIP)" is proposed and developed to fabricate green compact with complicated shapes. Conventional processes such as die pressing or CIP (cold isostatic pressing) process, are encountered two technical problems: inhomogeneous density distribution in powder compact and breakage of products during unloading process. The present process, where a semi-solid mold works also as a pressurizing medium, can overcome such problems. Yield stress of the mold is much lower than process pressure for BIP, so that the mold behaves like a liquid that applies isostatic pressure to the powder. This behavior of the fluid mold prevents the damage of powder compact during the unloading process. Finally, it is demonstrated that complicated powder compacts are fabricated by this process.