Debinding is a critical step in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing as it helps parts keep their shape before further processing steps. The binder removal process involves the thermal degradation of binding agents or additives from a moulded component. Debinding allows for the consolidation of powders and ensures minimal porosity or voids within the structure.

While both debinding and pyrolysis involve heat, the two processes serve a different purpose during the manufacturing processes. Debinding involves the removal of binder via degradation or evaporation. The debinding process is necessary before sintering to produce a fully dense component. Pyrolysis, in contrast, is a thermally induced chemical decomposition that occurs in the absence of oxygen. Organic precursors are decomposed at an elevated temperature and an inert environment to produce non-carbon volatiles.

Debinding is used by several industries as it prepares components for sintering. Industries that benefit from debinding are additive manufacturing, metal injection moulding (MIM), ceramic injection moulding (CIM), production of technical ceramics, automotive, aerospace, defence and MedTech. Products produced from this process range from consumer products to industrial hardware.

Carbolite offers three different solutions to debinding which include thermal debinding in air, thermal debinding under protective atmosphere and catalytic debinding. A range of furnaces or an oven option can be offered depending on your application needs. It is necessary to know the size of your component and the amount of binder content it contains before making your choice.