Abstract: A powder injection molding apparatus including an injection unit, mold formed of two mold parts with parting surface between first and second mold part, enclosing in assembled state of mold a mold cavity fluidically connected with injection unit via transfer channel, vibrational energy generator and transducer, and clamping unit designed to retain under the effect of clamping force first and second mold parts in contact with each other. Apparatus is characterized in that first and second mold parts include a first and second retaining hole, respectively, each extending essentially perpendicularly to parting surface and arranged opposite to each other respective to parting surface, clamping unit includes first and second pin each extending essentially perpendicularly to parting surface, wherein first and second pins cooperate in assembled state of mold with retaining portion of first and second retaining holes, respectively, to retain first and second mold parts in contact with each other.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an article by powder injection molding, the process including the steps of providing a feedstock containing a powder of a ceramic, a metal or a metal alloy dispersed in a binder, heating the feedstock, and injecting the heated feedstock into a mold cavity of a mold, where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the mold cavity. The process is characterized in that step c) is carried out under the application of vibrational energy onto the feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal assembly comprising: a seal for a bulk material container, having a ring-shaped connecting flange with a through opening and a first moving element; and a seal member for selectively sealing or opening the through opening. A container wall of the bulk material container can be attached to the connecting flange. The seal assembly also comprises a docking device having a housing, a second moving element, and a seal actuating device. In order to increase the tightness of the seal, one of the moving elements comprises a peripheral first stripping element, by means of which impurities are stripped from a surface of the connecting flange, in a closing process for sealing the though opening of the connecting flange.