How to Decide Whether to Use Wax-based or Plastic-based Binders? What Factors Influence the Method and Duration of Debinding?

Mixing

• Low viscosity, volatile

• Low temp. (<120°C)

• Airtight system required

• High viscosity, poor flow

• High temp. (>150°C)

• High-shear equipment

• N₂ protection (optional)

Injection Molding

• Low pressure/speed/temp

• Powder separation risk at high speed

• High pressure/speed/temp

• Short-screw electric machine

• Strict temp control (anti-cracking)

Debinding

• Solvent/thermal debinding

• Solvent-induced deformation

• Safety hazards

• Acid-catalyzed (primary)

• Safe by-products (CO₂/N₂)

• Simple equipment

Sintering

• Slow debinding (<600°C)

• High deformation

• Sticky residue

• Fast debinding

• Low deformation

• Tar-like residue

Key Trade-off

Simpler processing, higher sintering deformation

Complex processing, lower sintering deformation

1. Debinding Method

Wax-based:
Solvent: Control time → prevent dissolution/deformation
Thermal: Slow ramp-up → avoid cracking
Plastic-based:
Acid-catalyzed: Fast but needs precise [H⁺]/temp

2. Part Thickness

Thickness >10mm → Time ↑↑
Thick parts: Staged heating → prevent cracks

3. Binder Residue

Wax-based: Time ↑→ ensure removal
Plastic-based: Low residue (fast removal)