Postmolding Shrinkage Evaluation of 316L Feedstock Micromolded Parts

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the shrinkage behavior of a 316L molding feedstock. The methodology adopted a statistical approach (design of experiment) and a standard microshrinkage measurement approach. The statistical approach identified the mold temperature—parallel to the flow direction—and the combined effect of the holding and injection pressure—normal to the flow direction—as critical factors. In comparison with the polymer on which the feedstock was based, lower shrinkage values and fewer critical factors were observed. In conclusion, the lower shrinkage values were a consequence of the powder loading. The critical factors identified in the present work have found confirmation in the literature, except the absence of melt temperature between feedstock critical factors.