Abstract: A porous near-net-shape metallic parts with an open porosity of at least 10% by volume is made by first forming an injectable mass of a metallic powder of stainless steel, Ti, NiTi, or a titanium alloy, at least one thermoplastic binder, and at least one place holder. The mass then injection molded into the shape of the part to be produced, cooled, set in a capillary-active material, and subjected to a first-stage binder removal to produce an open porosity. The place holder is then removed at least partially from the part with a fluid, and the part is subjected to a thermal binder-removing process. Finally the part is sintered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified powder injection molding method which is advantageously used for producing highly porous, near net-shaped parts having complex geometries from initial metallic and/or ceramic powders. The placeholders that are used are non-toxic and can be quickly and almost entirely removed from the parts. Said placeholders make it possible to specifically adjust the pore sizes of the parts within a range of 20 ?m to 2 mm and the porosities thereof within a range of 10 to 85 percent by volume, the distribution of pores being very homogeneous. The duration of the entire process is determined to a considerable degree by the removal of the binder and the placeholders. The total time required from the step of preliminary surface-active binder removal is no more than 14 to 20 hours, even if preliminary thermal binder removal is added (for metal powders and ceramic powders <20 ?m).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing component parts with a high degree of dimensional precision, made of NiTi-shape memory alloys. The invention makes it possible to apply a known metal injection moulding method to NiTi-shape memory alloys by adapting the binding system, temperature control and reducing the time necessary for debinding.